And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
And in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
And Peter answered him and said, Lord if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
From the outset, we read that the Lord constrained his friends to get into a ship. Without a doubt, Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen and he purposed it this way to teach them that 1. He is all powerful - He made the sea, he can walk on it; he made the wind, he can cause it to cease. 2. When we exercise faith in him and do what he tells us to do, we can do the impossible, because with him, all things are possible.
Can you imagine? Jesus and his friends probably had a good buddy laugh and a high five or two, once they were settled in the ship. Peter probably expressed how good it felt to walk on water. Remember now: Peter did have some courage and faith: he said to the Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
What transpired after that, we can all identify with. We hear the Lord when he bids us to come, to go. We believe him, but suddenly, everything around us looms large and we begin to focus on our weaknesses and circumstances, instead of the strength of the One who has made us, and is able to cause his power to work mightily through us.
When we read this scripture, we all want to walk on water. And through faith in the Son of God, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, according to his will and purpose for our lives.
Is your boat being tossed to and fro by the waves of life? Are vehement winds causing fears to settle in? God doesn't want us to stay in the boat on the stormy sea of life. We can get out, and do exploits in his name. We can exercise faith even in the storms; we can conquer; we can overcome; we can take dominion over them.
A Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you have bid us come to you. Help us to come boldly and with faith in our hearts, trusting that you are able to cause your power to work in us to the glory of your name. Your strength is made perfect in our weakness.
- A Walk In The Garden Devotions
