Points:
1. Peter stepped out of the boat quickly and decisively.
2. When Peter saw the wind and waves, he was frightened and began to cry out for help.
3. Jesus asked why Peter doubted.
Personalize
Once Peter recognized it was Jesus walking on the water He wanted to be in on the action. At Peter’s request, Jesus called him out to join him. Peter stepped out quickly and with confidence. This confidence quickly changed when Peter saw the wind and waves. Frightened by his surrounding circumstances he cried out for help. Peter reminds me of someone who does not want to be left out when it comes to a new adventure, yet he does not consider what it will take to stay the course. We see Peter having the boldness to step out but not the confidence to remain on the water. Peter is to be commended for his quick and decisive steps out of the boat, but we also learn from his fear and lack of confidence.
When faced with opportunities to follow Christ, do we hesitate and evaluate the circumstances before boldly stepping out? Do we sometimes waste time analyzing a situation rather than pursuing the direction God has called us? We have heard it said that “delayed obedience is sin”. When God calls us out of the boat, it is a call to step now. He is ready for us to make a move. Peter demonstrates quick and decisive obedience. Jesus called and Peter stepped out. He did not hesitate or contemplate his move. We can learn a great deal from Peter on what it means to be a quick responder to the call of God.
We can also learn from Peter’s mistakes. He did not “count the cost” of his obedience and he began to look back at the safety of the boat. He stepped out quickly but began to look at the difficult circumstances. The surrounding storm caused him to doubt his ability to stay afloat. Peter began to sink and struggle under the lack of faith to persevere in his “water walking” journey. Could this have been prevented if he counted the cost before leaving the boat? Would contemplation of the situation prepare Peter to persevere or would doubt precede his faithful step out of the boat and prevent him from taking the first step?
We must learn to balance boldness and caution. If boldness moves us quickly but we do not persevere, then we have not completed the journey. If we are cautious and do not take the first step, then we have not been obedient to God’s leading. Jesus wants us to “count the cost” before stepping out of the boat. We must ask, “Am I willing to commit fully?” or “Will I remain faithful to the opportunity ahead?” Once we say yes, we then step out in obedience. The “water walking” journey begins and we persevere through the storms of life.
Prayer
Lord may we not hesitate in following you. As we count the cost may we be reminded that you will give us the ability to walk the path you have laid before us. When the storms of life are revealed may we remain faithful and not doubt. Lord give us the wisdom to balance our decision making. May we count the cost of carrying our cross and may we move quickly in obedience.
