If you were to ask the average person, which individual in the Bible walked on water, most people would tell you that it was Jesus. Although this is a pretty cool feat, it pales in comparison to some of the other miracles such as raising the dead and casting out evil spirits. What are we supposed to get out of this miracle other than reinforcing what many people already believe about Jesus? It is my opinion that none of the miracles in the New Testament are meant as bragging points for Jesus or as mere displays of his power, so there must be a deeper meaning in this. The most impulsive and irrational of Jesus' disciples saw Jesus walking on water and asked, "do you want me to come to you?" This is the same Peter who cut off a soldiers ear and who swore that he would not deny Christ, yet did it 3 times. Acting before thinking was not abnormal for Peter. I can envision his rush of loyalty, or love, or even belief that carried first one leg and then the other over the side of the boat as the balls of his feet touched water, not knowing what sensation would come next, but believing that Jesus would be there for him. I can see Peter focusing on the face of Jesus and boldly taking the first couple steps. I then hear the crashing of waves, and the spray of sea foam and can almost feel a tangible doubt enter into Peter's mind as his peripheral vision starts to take in these fear inducing distractions. I can see his glance dart away from the face of Jesus as these doubts take hold and his attentions shift from the face of his Saviour to the immediate danger that he faced. Save, me!! he cried as these doubts and fears overcame his faith and he sank into the sea. The hand of Jesus reached out and pulled him up from the sea and the story ends with Peter being safe and accounted for. In our Christian walk we often experience this same thing. We start off with the best of intentions, but as things such as accolades, trials, or worldly distraction begin to creep in to our field of vision, we begin to sink under the weight of our own independence. We may be knee deep, waist deep, or may be even breathing air through a straw we are so deep in the sea, but we have the assurance that if we reach out our hands, Jesus will lift us up. As amazing as this sounds, I would implore you to avoid this as much as possible. Do not avert your eyes from Jesus. Keep focused on the One who sustains you as you walk through the storm sea of life. Do not wait until you are over your head in self importance and disbelief to call out "Save Me". Stay focused on the Creator and Director of the universe and know that with His help you do not have to sink into the depths, but can instead walk in new life with your eyes firmly placed on Him.
