Walking on water and walking on air, we have all heard these phrases before. With either one, when we say them nowadays, we only mean it figuratively. We use them to express how we might describe someone or something.

MIRACULOUS AND EXTRAORDINARY

However, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John, Walking on water happened! Although Walking on water is one of the many miracles Jesus did. In one of them, both Jesus and Peter did the same miracle. Matt.14:24-30

FEAR AND DOUBT CAN STOP ANY WATER-WALKING

PETER’S FIRST FEAR

In the Book of Matthew, we read that the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake. It was dark, but then they caught sight of (Someone) Jesus coming towards them, Walking on the water, and they were terrified. 

PETER’S FIRST DOUBT  

Peter’s first doubt was the “if” while in the boat.

Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid. “Peter says, okay then if it’s You, tell me to come to You on the water. Jesus said, “Come on, or go for it!” Matt.14:28-30

Peter steps out onto the water and begins to walk. He panics because he allows his focus to come off Jesus. But then doubt comes again and brings fear along. 

PETER’S SECOND DOUBT

The second doubt came when he was out of the boat, looked at the circumstances, and became afraid and unsure if Jesus would honor His Word, “Come.” 

After giving attention to the turbulence around him, he becomes afraid. He calls to Jesus to save him from drowning. Jesus says to him, “… Why did you doubt Me?” (Matt. 14:31). One Bible translation says, “Why did you let doubt win?”  

Fear and doubt work as a team. Once you allow fear to penetrate your faith shield, he tags doubt with a certainty of winning the fight.

Could There Be Another Reason Peter Doubted?

Peter had physically walked with Jesus for almost three years at this point and was with Him when He performed at least five different miracles in which he participated in some of them. 

Clouded Memory

But I think Peter forgot past miracles when he became afraid. He knew Jesus could perform miracles, but he allowed fear and doubt to cloud his memory. And I also think Jesus could not fully complete the miracle(s) He wanted to do with Peter.

“I remember the glorious miracles you did in days of long ago.” (Ps.143:5)

PERSPECTIVE

Even though Jesus was physically right there with Peter and the other disciples for those three years, we have it so much better because He’s always here with us and in us! It’s a constant reminder of a miracle. For our benefit, we also have the Word of God, where we can read about the miracles Jesus has done for our remembrance.

“So also will be the word that I speak; it does not return to me unfulfilled. My word performs my purpose and fulfills the mission I sent it out to accomplish.” (Isa. 55:11)

As I look out at the uncharted waters before me, I’m reminded by this story that doubt is always lingering around. Even when I’m in my boat, my comfort zone, I am tempted with thoughts of staying with the familiar. And when the doubts of “What if” come, I have a choice of staying. But with either, I run the chance of limiting or stopping the miracle God has for me.  

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” Andre Gide

FAITH, FOCUS, FORTITUDE, and REMEMBRANCE

I have my Faith-anchor, my Focus-compass, and my Fortitude-mindset

The Word of God, Holy Spirit, and the Mind of Christ

I REMEMBER Past Miracles In My Life

Maybe you’re in a “Walking on water” experience or want to be, but you’re afraid and think you might sink. You might be a little unsteady, but step out anyway and keep walking. We got this! Keep your memory chest open, have Jesus as your compass, and allow Him to navigate.

“Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, The Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9)

 Thank you for traveling with me on my journey of “New Beginnings.” I greatly appreciate you. May The Lord God bless and keep you.

Sincerely,

Jacqui