We’ve all heard the story.
Jesus walks on the water in the midst of a storm. In classic Peter-style, Peter gets out of the boat and starts walking on the water too. Notices the waves. Then starts to el sinko.
It’s one of the more well-known and often-referenced stories in the Bible.
I’m sure countless sermons and devotionals have been given and written on this piece of history from Matthew 14.
But what struck me most profoundly, as I sat at a table reading this passage of Scripture one evening in the Congo, was not that Jesus walked on water or that Peter jumped out of the boat or that he began to sink once he took his eyes off Jesus or that Jesus saved Peter anyway, despite his doubt.
What struck me most profoundly was that Jesus told the disciples to go. And the storm came anyway. <–Click to Tweet
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. (v. 22)
After sending the people home, Jesus went off on his own to pray.
But what happened to the disciples?
Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. (v. 24)
It hit me, as I read these verses….
Just because God leads us in a certain direction or calls us to a certain task, does not mean we will not be met by storms or resistance or danger along the way. <–Click to Tweet
I don’t know about you, but this is a hard thing for me to remember in the midst of a tumultuous sea.
I have to imagine it was a hard thing for the disciples to remember, too.
I have to imagine as their boat was being tossed to and fro, that they considered turning back.
I have to imagine that it was all too easy to forget who sent them in the first place.
Not just to get back into the boat, but to cross to the other side.
And here, in the throes of the storm, is when Jesus enters the scene.
The disciples are so freaked out, they don’t even recognize him. Not at first. It takes some reassurances that it is, indeed, Him–the one they are following, their Lord, their teacher. And this is where Peter cries out, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water!”
Gotta love bold, enthusiastic Peter.
So Jesus tells him sure.
He doesn’t calm the sea first.
He doesn’t stop the waves or settle the storm.
He simply tells Peter to come.
Then Peter takes His eyes off the One who commands the waves to do their thing and starts sinking. Jesus saves Peter. They climb back into the boat. The wind stops. The disciples’ experiential knowledge of Jesus is forever broadened.
And! And!
After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. (v. 34)
Jesus told them to cross to the other side and cross to the other side they did.
Because God is faithful.
He does what He says.
He finishes what He starts.
It’s a truth worth holding onto when storms rock your boat.
Let’s Talk: Has God ever called you into a storm? Learn anything profound while weathering it?
Profound insight, Katie. Much to ponder.
Powerful post, Katie. I’ve never really thought about the fact that Jesus sent them into the storm before. Powerful stuff.
What a beautiful post to ponder over and over, Katie. Although familiar, Peter’s foray into the torrent never gets old. Your question caused me to really think, simply because of all the storms God has weathered me through, only a few of them I chose willingly. I don’t like choosing storms, but it’s bone-deep comforting to know that He’s there waiting to buffer the severity.
bone-deep is probably the best way to describe that feeling, Donna!
LOVE your insight into that Bible story, Katie! I never looked at Peter’s walking on water from that angle but you are right! Jesus did not calm the sea before Peter stepped out of the boat, but simply told Peter to “come” and Peter stepped out on faith! 🙂 Thanks so much! 🙂
And to answer your question, one time when God called me into a storm, despite the raging waters, He gave me peace and when it was over, He not only showed me evidence of my purpose during that time but He created compassion in my heart and made me aware that I was stronger in character and faith because of it (the storm).
I love this! Thanks for sharing, Alexis!