The story of Peter walking on the water is very well known in the Christian the world (Matthew 14:25–32). It has been the subject of many paintings and used in many sermons as an illustration of the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus. Peter got out the boat to walk on the water, looked back at the disciples and when he saw the wind and waves (having taken his eyes off Jesus) he began to sink. Jesus reached out His hand and took Peter and together they returned to the boat.
Peter, before his conversion, was known as being self-confident and rash; quick to say and do things before thinking things through very well. He was often reproved by Jesus, “He turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind Me, Satan: thou art an offence unto Me.” Matthew 16:23
In the unconverted Peter, Jesus saw important character traits that would be suitable for leadership in His work; therefore Jesus carefully trained Peter, so that one day he could fulfil the responsibilities placed upon his shoulders.
But the question is, why did Peter want to get out of the boat?
“Ardent Peter is nearly beside himself with delight. He sees his Master boldly treading the foam-wreathed waves, coming to save His followers, and he loves his Lord as never before. He yearns to embrace and worship Him. He longs to meet Him and walk by His side upon the stormy water. He cries, ‘Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.’ Jesus granted his request; but Peter had taken only a step upon the surface of the boiling deep, when he looked back proudly toward his companions to see if they were watching his movements, and admiring the ease with which he trod upon the yielding water.” –The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, p. 269 (emphasis mine)
Peter loved his Lord so much; he was willing to do what seemed odd, bizarre and unconventional. He did not care what others thought of him. He did not care of the practicality of what he was about to do. He did not think it through, or plan it. All he cared about was that he loved his Saviour and wanted to embrace Him, cost what it may. He stepped out of the boat. His love was “strong as death.” Song of Solomon 8:6. The other disciples may have questioned his sanity, but he did not care. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38–39. The Lord still had lessons to reveal to Peter about his character in this incident. Although he was courageous enough to step out, his pride caused him to fall, but step out he did—to do what no man had ever done before.
“Looking unto Jesus, Peter walks securely; but as in self-satisfaction he glances back toward his companions in the boat, his eyes are turned from the Saviour. The wind is boisterous. The waves roll high, and come directly between him and the Master; and he is afraid. For a moment Christ is hidden from his view, and his faith gives way. He begins to sink.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 381 (emphasis mine)
“In taking his eyes from Jesus, they fell upon the boisterous waves that seemed greedily threatening to swallow him; their roaring filled his ears, his head swam, his heart failed him with fear. As he is sinking, he recovers presence of mind sufficient to remember that there is One near who can rescue him. He stretches out his arms toward Jesus, crying, ‘Lord, save me, or I perish!’ The pitying Saviour grasps the trembling hands that are reached toward Him, and lifts the sinking form beside his own. Never does that kindly face and that arm of strength turn from the supplicating hands that are stretched out for mercy. Peter clings to his Lord with humble trust, while Jesus mildly reproaches him: ‘O thou of little faith! wherefore didst thou doubt?’” –The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, p. 269 (emphasis mine)
“The trembling disciple now clings firmly to the hand of the Master till they are both safely seated in the boat among their joyful companions. But Peter was subdued and silent; he had no reason to boast over his fellows, for he had very nearly lost his life through exaltation and unbelief. When he took his eyes from Jesus in order to note the admiration of others, he lost guidance, and doubt and fear seized upon him. So it is in the Christian life; nothing but an eye firmly fixed upon the Saviour will enable us to tread the stormy billows of the world.” – Ibid, p. 270 (emphasis mine)
It was “self satisfaction,” “doubt”, “exaltation and unbelief” and lack of faith that nearly cost him his life. But in the moment of crisis he had the presence of mind to call out to the Lord to save him.
“When trouble comes upon us, how often we are like Peter! We look upon the waves, instead of keeping our eyes fixed upon the Saviour. Our footsteps slide, and the proud waters go over our souls. Jesus did not bid Peter come to Him that he should perish; He does not call us to follow Him, and then forsake us. ‘Fear not,’ He says; ‘for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.’ Isaiah 43:1–3.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 381–382
Peter could have done a lot more walking on water if he would have kept his eyes on Jesus. But at least he got out of the boat. He took a step of faith initially and stepped out. Even though his faith failed while walking on the water because he took his eyes off of Jesus, the fact remains that he did get out. Although it was stormy and dark, Peter still got out of the boat, because of his love and faith in Jesus. Peter believed that if Jesus was right there with Him during the storm in the dark all would be well, because Jesus was going able to help him out. That is why Peter wanted Jesus to tell him to “come” to Him, walking on water; because Peter believed that if Jesus was able to walk on water in a middle of a dark sea storm, He was well able to take care of him in the dark sea storm also. And because Peter did get out of the boat, he received a blessing of being the only mortal man to ever have walked on water.
No matter how adverse your situation may be, Jesus will be there with you to help you out. You may be in a situation that is dark and you cannot see your way out, but you do not need to fear, for Jesus will be right there to guide you through. Remember, you are not in it alone, for Jesus is standing right there by your side to help you out.
THE RIGHTEOUS RISETH AGAIN
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” Proverbs 24:16. We do not read here, “If a just man falleth,” but we read, “For a just man falleth.”
“Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.” Micah 7:8. And here again it does not read, “If I fall” but “When I fall”.
Peter fell into the water on that dark stormy night, but at least he got up and out by calling to Jesus. How many other just and faithful men in the Bible have also fallen spiritually at some point in their lives? There are many famous men in the Bible who were very close to God, but fell terribly, such as David, Moses, Noah, and Abraham, yet they got up again when they called unto the Lord for help. They found forgiveness in Christ and continued on their spiritual journey. “Although the patriarchs and apostles were subject to human frailties, yet through faith they obtained a good report, fought their battles in the strength of the Lord, and conquered gloriously. Thus may we trust in the virtue of the atoning sacrifice and be overcomers in the name of Jesus.” –Conflict and Courage, p. 368
On the heavenward journey the pathway is not smooth. There are obstacles we may trip over across the pathway; pitfalls we may fall into. We may fall, but we get up. But if we make no effort at all, we will not have to face those obstacles. Some would rather just sit at home and not take a chance at falling.
Yet, we are given hope. “The fallen must be led to feel that it is not too late for them to be men. Christ honored man with His confidence and thus placed him on his honor. Even those who had fallen the lowest He treated with respect. It was a continual pain to Christ to be brought into contact with enmity, depravity, and impurity; but never did He utter one expression to show that His sensibilities were shocked or His refined tastes offended. Whatever the evil habits, the strong prejudices, or the
overbearing passions of human beings, He met them all with pitying tenderness. As we partake of His Spirit, we shall regard all men as brethren, with similar temptations and trials, often falling and struggling to rise again, battling with discouragements and difficulties, craving sympathy and help. Then we shall meet them in such a way as not to discourage or repel them, but to awaken hope in their hearts.” –The Ministry of Healing, p. 166
“If they fail once, twice, or thrice, censure not. Already discouragement is doing its work and tempting them to say, ‘It is of no use; I can’t do it.’ This is not the time for censure. The will is becoming weakened. It needs the spur of encouraging, cheerful, hopeful words, as, ‘Never mind the mistakes you have made. You are but a learner, and must expect to make blunders. Try again. Put your mind on what you are doing. Be very careful, and you will certainly succeed.’” –Child Guidance, p. 374–375
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1
OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
At least Peter got out of the boat, out of his comfort zone. He ventured where the others would not dare to go. The other disciples were not as courageous or rash.
Lloyd Jones is quoted as saying, “Men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed.”
And, Robert H. Schuller: “I’d rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed.”
It takes courage to step out and risk failure. “Many who are qualified to do excellent work accomplish little because they attempt little.” –The Ministry of Healing, p. 498. “Many become inefficient by evading responsibilities for fear of failure.” –Ibid., p. 500
The Lord is looking for courageous men and women, who are willing to step out of their comfortable boat on dark stormy nights. “Men of stamina are wanted, men who will not wait to have their way smoothed and every obstacle removed, men who will inspire with fresh zeal the flagging efforts of dispirited workers, men whose hearts are warm with Christian love and whose hands are strong to do their Master’s work.” –The Ministry of Healing, p. 497
The Lord is looking for people with energy, and courage; people willing to do and dare anything for their Lord; people who will go to the ends of the earth if led by the Spirit. Who will answer that call today?
“Christian life is more than many take it to be. It does not consist wholly in gentleness, patience, meekness, and kindliness. These graces are essential; but there is need also of courage, force, energy, and perseverance. The path that Christ marks out is a narrow, self-denying path. To enter that path and press on through difficulties and discouragements requires men who are more than weaklings. . . .
“Some who engage in missionary service are weak, nerveless, spiritless, easily discouraged. They lack push. They have not those positive traits of character that give power to do something—the spirit and energy that kindle enthusiasm. Those who would win success must be courageous and hopeful. They should cultivate not only the passive but the active virtues. While they are to give the soft answer that turns away wrath, they must possess the courage of a hero to resist evil. With the charity that endures all things, they need the force of character that will make their influence a positive power.
“Some have no firmness of character. Their plans and purposes have no definite form and consistency. They are of but little practical use in the world. This weakness, indecision, and inefficiency should be overcome. There is in true Christian character an indomitableness that cannot be molded or subdued by adverse circumstances. We must have moral backbone, an integrity that cannot be flattered, bribed, or terrified.” –The Ministry of Healing, p. 497–498
The Lord has little use for those who are studying their own ease, with the work of the Lord only a secondary issue in their lives when it is convenient for them. “Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.” Judges 5:23. “Many of our missionary enterprises are crippled because there are so many who refuse to enter the doors of usefulness that are opened before them. Let all who believe the truth begin to work. Do the work that lies nearest you; do anything, however humble, rather than be, like the men of Meroz, do-nothings.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 246
“And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will He do evil.” Zephaniah 1:12. “The Lord has no place in His work for those who have a greater desire to win the crown than to bear the cross. He wants men who are more intent upon doing their duty than upon receiving their reward—men who are more solicitous for principle than for promotion.” –The Ministry of Healing, p. 476
As we near the close of this earth’s history, evil is waxing worse and worse. False Protestantism is increasingly becoming more corrupt. The difference between the true followers of God and the world will become greater. God’s people will be viewed as different and it takes great courage to stand for the Lord. Many fear losing friends, family, jobs, material goods, etc. if they decide to follow the pathway that our Saviour walked. It is too straight and narrow, yet only those who are willing to sever every earthly tie, will be saved for time and eternity. Jesus is calling the youth to a great challenge today. He wants an army of youth to finish the work on this earth; He is looking for youth with courage, stamina, strength and no fear of being different. We must deny ourselves, pick up our crosses and follow the Lord today; being willing to stand alone if all others do not support us. God is with us.
And finally, back to Peter: Peter had many good character traits that Jesus could see if they were channeled correctly. Jesus could see that when Peter was converted those traits would be very useful in His cause.
“You know what Peter’s character was, how strikingly his peculiar traits were developed. Before his great fall he was always dictatorial and forward, speaking unadvisedly, from the impulse of the moment. He was always ready to correct others, and to express his mind before he had a clear comprehension of himself or of what he had to say. But Peter was converted, and the converted Peter was very different from the rash, impetuous Peter. He retained his former fervor, but now the grace of Christ regulated his zeal. Instead of being impetuous, self-confident, and self-exalted, he was calm, self-possessed, and teachable. He could then feed the lambs as well as the sheep of Christ’s flock.” –Gospel Workers, p. 366
“Jesus read the character of His disciples. He knew how sorely their faith was to be tried. In this incident on the sea He desired to reveal to Peter his own weakness,—to show that his safety was in constant dependence upon divine power. Amid the storms of temptation he could walk safely only as in utter self-distrust he should rely upon the Saviour. It was on the point where he thought himself strong that Peter was weak; and not until he discerned his weakness could he realize his need of dependence upon Christ. Had he learned the lesson that Jesus sought to teach him in that experience on the sea, he would not have failed when the great test came upon him.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 382
We may ridicule Peter; we may think he was out of his mind. We may deplore his lack of faith while walking on the water, but he is the only one who had courage to step out of the boat—step out of his comfort zone and do the unthinkable—walk on the water. Would you have done so? And so it will be in the end of time, men and women will step out of their boat, doing the unexpected; doing what others may think is “insanity”. They may work in a way that is different from what we may think is the “normal” way of doing things. Who are we to judge when we see people do the unexpected, as long as they are not violating principle?
“And John answered Him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of Me. For he that is not against us is on our part.” Mark 9:38–40. We cannot put the Holy Spirit in a box, telling Him how the work must be done. The work must be done under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
“Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning. There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the world. God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness.” –Last Day Events, p. 203 (emphasis mine)
The Lord has a work for you, an individual plan. How willing are you to follow your Master anywhere that He may lead you? Do you love your Master enough to get out of your boat? To step out of your comfort zone? To the unthinkable? Regardless what others might think or say of you? To venture where it seems humanly impossible? Or ridiculous to the human way of thinking? “With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26. We need to listen, to trust and be willing to go anywhere, and everywhere He leads us.
Sure, we must not be impulsive like the unconverted Peter and act without thinking; however, we need the courage and the boldness of the converted Peter to do and go where others may dare not. Our love for our Master must be as strong as was Peter’s, so that we would be willing to walk on the water for the Lord if He asks. Amen.
Wendy Eaton