Our next story of incredible faith on the “Bible on the Road” is the recounting of Peter walking on water.
“Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.” Matthew 14:28-29
So, how does Peter’s strong faith continue? “But, when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink” (v30)
How is this a show of faith? Peter faltered and sank.
So many times, I have answered Jesus in this way. ‘If You command me..” Only to falter when I enter the ‘storm.’ A great example is my first approach to public speaking. I am an introvert, in a big way, at heart. So, when I was approached by the leader of the Pittsburgh Catholic Men’s Fellowship annual gathering and asked to give a talk on the benefits of joining a CMF group, I was terrified. I prayed, though, and told Jesus, “if this is what You command, I will do it.” So, I said yes. I wrote down what I believe is a good speech of about 12 minutes. I practiced and practiced, becoming comfortable with the words and flow. Then, the Saturday gathering came. I remember how scared I was as my time drew near. I sought a priest’s blessing to drive away the fear. But, moments before my turn, I found myself hoping and praying Father Richards would go too long and they’d cut me out. That didn’t work. Father ended on time and I was heading to the stage – terror sweaty palms, rolling stomach along with me.
Yes, faced with the storm raging around him, Peter waivers. But, his immediate reaction was to call out to Jesus, Who was immediately there to grab Peter’s hand and rescue him. Peter’s faith may have faltered, but when it came to desperation, he did the only thing he could think to do – cry out to jesus.
As I hit the top step and turned toward the mic, the storm crashed around me. I would have run if my knees weren’t shaking so badly. I closed my eyes, called under my breath, “Jesus, help me” and, started talking. I opened my eyes and gave my presentation. How did it go? No clue. You’d have to ask the men who were there. I was overwhelmed by the introvert’s stress. I don’t really remember much. But, I managed to complete what Jesus asked of me.
In my moment of terror and desperation on the edge of drowning, like Peter, I did the only thing I could think of in the moment. I cried out to Jesus. On that stage that afternoon, jesus reached out, grasped my hand and drew me out of the waves. Jesus gave me His presence that I could do what He asked of me.
When the storm is passed and your heart renewed in faith and trust, Jesus will call you to more. “ “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”” John 21:17
In your life, there will be many times Jesus calls you to do things that seem beyond you. Things so far beyond you as to be totally impossible. But, always remember, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37. Get out and walk into the impossible. God knows this ‘impossible’ is a stretch for you. And, remember when faith falters, cry out to God. He will immediately rescue you and raise you out of the storm.