I read Matthew 14 this week and was struck by something I have not seen before. A matter of fact, it feels declarative and defining for me right now, and something I was needing.
Jesus told the disciples to get into the boat, and he would catch up with them later. There was a storm that night and the winds were raging, which didn’t let up as Jesus walked out onto the sea to meet his friends. The disciples were terrified. Their first thought was, “It’s a ghost!” Jesus said, “Take courage, It is I; do not be afraid.”
This next thing that was said is the kicker for me right now.
Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to You on the water.”
And Jesus said, “Come!”
Peter recognized Jesus’ voice, and did what He said. He got out of the boat, walked on the water, and came towards Jesus.
But then….seeing the wind, he became afraid and began to sink. He cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me.” And Jesus reached out and took a hold of Peter.
The part of the story that is grabbing me this time is when Peter said, “If it is you, command me to come to You!”
Basically Peter was saying, “Jesus, You say the word, and I will do it! If You, Jesus, My Lord says it, I will do it!”
I believe with so much turmoil, division, conflicting views, and fear of the unknown right now, our prayer needs to be like Peter’s,
“Lord, if it is You, command me and I will come. Lead me and I will follow.”
The seas were raging when Jesus said, “Come!” He didn’t calm the storm until after Peter and Jesus got into the boat. He didn’t make it cozy and “safe” for Peter to walk out on the water. He simply said, ” Come!” and Peter obeyed.
The warning is that when Peter looked at the storm and the winds, fear became bigger than Jesus, even though He was with him in the water. Fear became bigger than Jesus’ command, and Peter began to sink.
I believe God is calling us into a greater faith, and courage like never before. The good news is, God is the One who gives us these things if we ask Him. The Bible says, ” Come boldly to His throne room of grace and ask for help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16.
Ask Him for a bigger and greater faith, which He so wants us to have! Not to mention, He’s a loving and generous Father who wants to give good gifts to His kids!
He is saying, “Take courage! Do not be afraid!”
May our prayer be, “Lord, You say the word, and I will do it. God give me great courage to do Your will in this hour. May my eyes be on You and not the storms all around me. Take my fear and replace it with a deep knowledge of your love for me. Grant me a greater measure of faith and courage to obey your call, every step of the way.