“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dispersed the crowds. And after he sent the crowds away, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already far from land, was taking a beating from the waves because the wind was against it. As the night was ending, Jesus came to them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the water they were terrified and said, ‘It’s a ghost!’ and cried out with fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them: ‘Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, if it is you, order me to come to you on the water.’ So he said, ‘Come.’ Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind he became afraid. And starting to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they went up into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” —Matthew 14:22–33
Jesus first sends His disciples ahead of Him by boat to the other side of the sea and then dismisses the crowd. He retreats up the mountainside to be with His father—communing in private prayer—and there He stays until early morning. Even when the tempest begins to blow, Jesus remains steady, focused in prayer. He continues to set the example for us according to His own teaching:
“But whenever you pray, go into your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.” —Matthew 6:6
While Jesus is praying, the disciples find themselves paddling in a terrific storm in the middle of the raging sea. It is important to remember that they were exactly where Jesus had sent them; they had been obedient to His direction.
Just because we are in the middle of a great turmoil does not for one second mean that we are not in the center of God’s will. Indeed, the disciples seemed always to be going from one difficult situation to another, and yet they were ever in the center of God’s perfect and pleasing will.
Knowing their desperate situation, Jesus sets out in mercy, walking on the water to rescue them. Terrified that He was a ghost, they cry out in fear. I guess so! Here they are in the middle of a raging sea with pre-dawn darkness and all of a sudden, they see someone in the distance walking on water. Can you imagine? He takes control: “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” He makes himself known—and therein is their sufficiency. His presence is enough to put them at ease, encouraging them against their fright. With His words it is as if He tells them, just as He tells each one of us, “Don’t be afraid of the tempests and the waves of your circumstances. Do not fear them, I am with you.” Nothing is a terror to those whom Christ is with.
In the midst of this, we find Peter willing to walk on the water to meet the Lord Jesus. Peter asks permission and it’s granted by the One who created and can calm the sea. Peter gets out of the boat! But his faith falters. And yet, Jesus is there at the precise moment when Peter most needs Him. Peter is upheld by Christ’s power. Isn’t that exactly what Jesus offers to each one of us as well? There is no danger in sinking when we are held by His everlasting arms of strength.
Is our focus on the wind and turbulence of our circumstances or on the wisdom and truth and strength of Jesus? To answer that, perhaps we need to assess our present situation: Are we walking on water amidst our trials, or are we overcome by the waves? When we stay focused on Jesus, maintaining a reliance upon Him, we need not be concerned about the how and where of our circumstances. We need only to fix our gaze upon Him.
Become More
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up.” —Hebrews 12:1–3
Further Reflections
“Jesus promised His disciples three things: that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble.” —F.R. Maltby
“Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you: everything passes away except God; God alone is sufficient.” —St. Theresa
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I
give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts
be distressed or lacking in courage.” —John 14:27