“and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.”” Matthew 14:24 “And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.” Matthew 14:32
“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”” Matthew 14:29-30
Don’t miss the faith and trust Simon has in this moment. Standing in the boat, looking at Jesus, he didn’t wonder if the storm or waves would an an issue. He simply asked the Lord to command him to come. “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” Matthew 14:28
Wouldn’t it have been easier if Jesus had calmed the storm before calling Simon out of the boat? Seems to me that walking on a glass-calm sea would be easier than storm-tossed waves.
That isn’t Jesus’ way though. Maybe if Simon had asked for calm seas, Jesus may have settled the storm first. Maybe not.
The test put before Simon and each one of us is to trust in ALL circumstances. To display the same level of absolute trust in Jesus when the storm is raging and waves crashing as we do in sunny skies and glassy seas. When the storm is intense, look at Jesus – period. Trust that He will remove the storm when it is time.
The point of Jesus waiting to remove the storm until after the ‘test’ is to build strength, to eliminate fear and create a heart of total abandoned trust. This level of trust gives the soul tunnel vision on Jesus alone. All environmental effects are there for others to see your trust. Think how the other eleven men in that boat felt. Simon says ‘call me out of the boat’. Jesus says “come” and Simon moves to get out. They see the storm and this nut lifting his foot over the side of the boat. Then, they see Simon standing on water. I don’t know what would inspire more awe in me, Jesus calming the storm or seeing a man walking on water. Then, imagine the talk afterwards. “Simon, why did you get out?”, “Jesus said to”, “but, how did you know you would stand on the water?, “Jesus said to.”
Don’t forget to ask Jesus to calm the storm when you’re standing on the edge of the boat. But, don’t wait if He says ‘come’. Step out in trust. You know you will walk on the water, others will be amazed and see that it was Jesus all along.