A Storm of Opportunity

For the longest time, when I thought about the story of Peter walking on the water to Jesus, I imagined calm waters with this gentle breeze that just tussled Peter's hair.  I always thought the point of the story was for Peter to trust Jesus enough to get out of the boat, but when I re-read the scripture, I realize that there is much more to this story then just taking that first step onto the water.

Matthew 14:24 ...and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

The scripture states that the boat was a considerable distance from land, which means they were committed to their journey, they couldn't just easily turn back. The journey wasn't easy either, because they were having to travel against the wind, which caused waves to hit the boat repeatedly.  These men were terrified and filled with fear.  Jesus didn't calm the winds or the waves yet, the winds were still strong the waves were still attacking the boat, yet Jesus asked Peter to fear not and to come to him.

As Christians, I think we are often under the assumption that after we give our life to the Lord that the winds of our life will be still, that there will not be any waves that come at us, and that our lives will be without hardship or difficulty.  Like Peter we take that first step out of the boat, but as soon as the waves hit us, we lose our focus and our faith and begin to drown.

God often calls us to places in our lives that are many miles away from our comfort zones.  He asks us to take that journey with Him, to be committed to His plan. He asks us to fear not when we face storms and spiritual battles but to keep our eyes on Him and continue our journey in the midst of adversity.

It is in the storms of life that our faith becomes the strongest. It's not enough to just take that first step out of the boat (to give your life to God), but true faith is in continuing the course even when the waves surround you and having the faith to know that God holds all power and authority.  When we lose focus or lose faith, we give more power to the storms in our lives then to the one who holds the power to calm the storms.  

Peter failed this test, He was consumed by His own fear, but Jesus did not allow Peter to drown.  Jesus immediately reached out to Peter and then went back to the boat with him.  It was when they both entered the boat that Jesus calmed the storm and the disciples realized just who Jesus was.  Jesus still revealed His power but Peter missed his opportunity.

Sometimes God doesn't calm the storms in our life because He is giving us the opportunity to grow our faith and to go deeper and be stronger than we ever thought we could. God thinks you are capable---He is asking you not only to take that first step, but to face your fears, follow Him, and find freedom in faith.