Walking on Water

Jesus said, “Come, Peter.” Then Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But while Peter was walking on the water, he saw the wind and the waves. He was afraid and began sinking into the water. He shouted, “Lord, save me!” Then Jesus caught Peter with his hand. He said, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:29-31

Few things are as comforting...and soothing...as a warm bath. Yesterday I spent the morning breaking up a concrete pad with with a jackhammer. By evening I knew exactly where this tired old body belonged. This morning I feel like a new man (almost!)

This world is like a vast tub of warm water and bath salts. We want to immerse ourselves in it and let the comforts surround us...melting away our problems. Unfortunately, since the fall...rather than soothing and comforting us, most of the desires of this world only kill our spirits. Even the beautiful afternoon sun will turn us to leather if we spend too much time with it.

Jesus calls us to stay above those thing regardless of how comforting they appear. He calls us to walk on the water, not bathe in it. But, when we try...we often allow ourselves to get distracted by the very things that caused us problems in the first place; health, relationships, jobs or lusts. They cause us to fear and we lose our focus. We begin to sink...back into the things we hope will comfort us but know will kill us. This is a constant danger for all of us.

Unless, of course, we keep our eyes on Jesus and ignore everything else. As Moses said in Deuteronomy, “Lord, if you are pleased with me, show me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor in your sight”.Walking on water can be frightening but, ironically, it’s the safest place to be.

Live boldly out there today...