Oceans
During my morning commute to work, my routine is putting on my playlist. The first song plays “Oceans”. Here are some of the lyrics:
“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me”
The story of Peter
“And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So, Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”” (Matthew chapter 14, verses 28-33)
Visualizing the whole story gives me goose bumps. How did Peter walk on water? Till date no proper description of this incident is explained by any scientist. It was only God who made this possible. I wish to witness such a situation. But recalling my past – God’s goodness and experiences in my life - God did made me walk on water although not literally.
Let me share a few learning points from this passage
Listen to the calling of Jesus and obey him. Jesus asked Peter to come to Him on the water, even if it seemed impossible to walk on water. Still, Peter did what Jesus asked him to do. This is what faith and obedience look like.
Faith is like taking the next step with courage without doubting that it is not possible. Peter got out of the boat and onto the water. He was doing great when his focus was on the Lord Jesus.
Trusting in Him can give us supernatural power. Peter experienced the supernatural power only when he trusted God that allowed him to walk on water.
“Don't fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” (Isaiah chapter 43, verse 1) God actually commands us not to fear, or worry. Fear makes you sink in darkness of worries. But when Peter had faith, he walked on water. Don’t be afraid, God is in full control.
“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew chapter 17, verse 20) A little faith is better than no faith. The Lord Jesus spoke of Peter’s “little faith”. But, the disciples and people on the boat had apparently no faith.
Look for Jesus and keep looking to Jesus. Although a storm surrounded Him, Peter looked to Jesus. The only problem was that he stopped looking at Jesus. The principle is clear: especially when life is a tumultuous storm, look for Jesus and keep looking to Jesus.
What does look to Jesus look like for you?
Jennifer Javed Khan is a PSI young writer from Pakistan.
