Have you ever noticed it is in the middle of the night that our thoughts unravel. It’s then our minds go places they don’t ever go in the day time.
The evening shadows tend to cause us to fear and imagine all sorts of things. This was no different for the disciples.
We find the disciples in a boat at sea in Matthew 14. Scripture tells us the boat was in the middle of the sea, the water was rough and the wind was contrary (NKJV). It was quite the storm.
Scripture also tells us it was the fourth watch of the night, so it was 3-6AM, the time when darkness is thick and hovering over everyone.
Looking out, the disciples see someone walking out to them, and their response is, “It’s a ghost!” (verse 26, NKJV)
They were as human as we are, and they, too, imagined the worst in the midst of the darkness.
It was Jesus Himself walking out to them, to calm their fears and take control of the situation.
We know the familiar story. Peter eagerly says to the Lord to command him to walk out to Him on the water.
Jesus’ responds, “Come.”
Plain and simple. “Come.”
We all know what happens. Peter steps out of the boat, he takes his eyes off of Jesus and sees the storm, he begins to sink.
We tend to focus on this part of the story. Peter’s doubt. The story reminds us to stay focused and keep our eyes on the Lord when we navigate the challenges of life.
But a recent read brought something new to light that I had not ever considered before.
Peter, the one who always got himself into a situation. He was the one who often spoke and acted quickly.
He may have been the impetuous one but, he was the only one who got out of the boat to walk towards Jesus. That right there is something to admire and desire.
“Only by walking with God can we hope to find the path that leads to life. That is what it means to be a disciple. After all — aren’t we ‘followers of Christ’? Then by all means, let’s actually follow him. Not ideas about him. Not just his principles. Him.” (John Eldredge)
This week I found myself challenged by Peter.
Will we walk towards, and with, Jesus
even if no one walks with us?
During times when we may feel overwhelmed or fearful, we need to bring ourselves back to the foundational truths which will always keep us steady. These truths are not cliches, they are the very words of life. You will be encouraged by Lois Flowers’ post, What to Remember When You’re Anxious About the Road Ahead HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
“He may have been the impetuous one but, he was the only one who got out of the boat to walk towards Jesus. That right there is something to admire and desire.” Amen!
So very true Joanne & doesn’t Peter’s reaction sound familiar!
Thank you for this reminder & for hosting this lovely community.
Blessings, Jennifer
“Aren’t we ‘followers of Christ’? Then by all means, let’s actually follow him.” I love that. It’s true, we focus on Peter’s faltering faith and overlook that he’s the only one who stepped out in faith in the first place.
He beckons. Always. May we be quicker to say an enthusiastic ‘yes’.
Peter does get a lot of bad press, and we forget that his posture toward Jesus was mostly ALL IN.
“Let’s build tents here!”
“Call me to come to you!”
“I’m not worthy of a foot washing!”
And then there was the night with a sword…
I’m so tame by comparison.
Joanne, I love this familiar story, I wrote about it not long ago from a different perspective. But one of the things I notice about this story is, none of the disciples recognized Jesus at first, but once they did, Peter was the only one who was so focused on Jesus that he asked to be able to come near to Jesus no matter the circumstances. How often are we so focused on Jesus in the midst of our trials that regardless of our circumstances we beg to be with Him?
May we always be willing to get out of the boat and walk toward Jesus.
Peter was impulsive, but I appreciate his courage and energy.
This has me pondering this morning, Joanne, “Where in my life is Jesus calling me to come to Him?”
Not just his disciples, Him!
I love this quote! Yes, may every struggle transform us into his image! Thanks for this today, Joanne!
I always gain a new perspective when I visit here, Joanne, and usually your words bring. one or more memories to mind, too. Today – my thoughts were twofold… (1) The disciple, Peter, and his transformation as he walked with Jesus before and after the resurrection; from impulsive to steadfast, from fearful to courageous and from unsteady to faithful. Then (2) I thought of my mom and her strong faith. When she walked down the aisle to my dad on her wedding day, she had the organist (Paul Manz, himself) play “Let Us Every Walk with Jesus” because that was the foundation she and my dad would build their marriage and family on. Years later, when our daughter married (the rehearsal was on my parents’ anniversary), I surprised my mom by having her walk down the aisle to that piece accompanied by her grandsons (first at the rehearsal which was very moving and then again at the wedding service. My dad, we felt, was watching from above. It was a beautiful moment! Walking with Him by our side – I can’t imagine doing life any other way!
Joanne, I love your shift from focusing on Peter’s doubt to the fact that he was the only one who got out of the boat and headed for Jesus. That is definitely something to admire. Thanks so much for sharing my post; I’m so thankful for the foundational truths that hold us steady! Hugs, friend.