He said, “Come.”

But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and began to sink.

Something wonderful and unexpected just gave you the opportunity of a lifetime. So, you stepped out to seize the moment! Why then, Friend, did you become afraid when the challenges came on so strongly? That moment comes to all of us; an instant when we think we have to accept what we see with our eyes. And in that moment, we find out what, or in whom, our faith lies. The story of Jesus walking on water is made all the more remarkable because Peter had his own way of testing whether it was possible to do the seemingly impossible.

In reality, Peter’s request, “if it’s really you, tell me to come,” preconditioned his faith upon the performance of a miracle. And yet, without hesitation, Jesus gave the command! He simply said, “Come!” and Peter came down out of the boat and walked on the water. Jesus demonstrated to Peter what he taught countless times; that by our faith nothing is impossible. Jesus told his followers, “most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”  But when Peter saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and began to sink. Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Stepping out and acting on the Word of God isn’t a test for God, it is actually a test for ourselves! Obviously, challenges will come, but your fear doesn’t arise from the challenge, it arises from your doubt. You think you’re equipped and ready to step out, only to take your eyes off of the One who called you, and your feet begin to sink. Nevertheless, be encouraged, no matter how many times you try to get out of your boat, face your fears, and then find yourself sinking; He is there reaching out his hand. Take courage and try and try again. And in trying, remember this, don’t doubt!

Read: Matthew 14:22-43; John 14:12

Listen: You Raise Me Up