The seas have been rocky most of my life.
I hold tight to the rail in case I am flung to the deck. I grab on to my loved ones in case the sea tries to pull them in. I deny queasiness and avoid looking too deep into the blue. It’s too dreadful to think what could await me in the suffocating abyss.
I don’t lack faith in that these storms will pass because they always do. My guiding light house always stands to be seen on every horizon. What I do lack is faith to get out of the boat when the waves are too high, too cold, too dreary, uninviting, or simply reject me, tossing my body back in. My name is not Peter no matter how hard I try to harness even a smidgen of what he had.
Peter got out of the boat. He was the first in faith, first to follow and first to church. His random doubts and waywardness kept people on their toes, but always came back to ground them by his faithfulness to Jesus.
I want to get out of the boat, to walk on water because of my utter faith, and to remember to call out when I sink, because we all sink. But to be able to have enough tenacity to just stick my leg over the edge would fulfill my being with something more than the doubts that bark at the back of my head, drowning out any headway that I have ever made in the past.
Matthew 4:18-19 NIV
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
And Peter dropped it all, and followed Jesus.
Matthew 14:28-29
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
And Peter went and walked on water.
Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
And Peter led the first Christians.
Acts 2:37-38
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Peter encouraged others in faith.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
And Peter brought us hope.
The man lacked tact and was quite uncouth at times, but he had great faith that led the church in the early days. He stands as an example for us who lack the same things. We can be like him in this faith despite our human nature to sink. We can get out of the boat. We can thrive.
We can get out of the boat. We can thrive. Click To Tweet
Oh, to just at least lop my leg over the side……how I wish I had that faith! Wonderful Maryann! You always challenge me and I love that!
“Let go and let God.” “Have faith!” These are easy to say, and can be soooo hard to do. For me, it didn’t matter what people said I had to do, I had to get to a point where I was able to Have faith, and Let go and let God. Thank you for your post!
A good point, not to look down! Thanks for reminding us about Peter. Coming from FMF.
Peter teaches us so much.. his eagerness to serve the Lord, his willingness to follow him, his ability to repent, tough and yet tender. Godly man.
I have always related more to Peter than anyone else in the bible! This was beautiful!
I so agree with you! Many take Peter as a bad example because of his impulsiveness. But i really admire Peter here who acted out his faith by walking on water. Yes, Peter may have drowned but no other person experienced walking on water the way he did. I admire his faith!
Eyes on Jesus, right?
It ‘s the only way to ride out the storms of life.
I love Peter – no doubt about that. But Peter certainly lacked in the wee hours of a Friday. He was as human as I am. That is what makes Peter likable – it is that which gives me hope.
So true.
Beautifully written post full of hope and encouragement!!
Thank you.
Beautifully written post. Thank you for the reminder that in the storm, we can trust God and that in spite of our faults and shortcomings we can advance the kingdom of God if we just follow his lead.
The storm is all around me now
and the abyss will surely win,
so Peter, can you tell me how
I can find that faith within?
I want to walk across the waves
and take the hand of God,
leaving the life of galley-slaves
with a knowing wink and nod.
I want the spume to wet my feet,
and the places cancer smote;
and, oh God, please make me fleet
so I may outrace the boat!
In a quiet voice – no need to shout,
Peter said, “Vict’ry’s just steppin’ out.”