“Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning[a] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
“Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.” Matthew 14:24-33
If we are going to accomplish great things for God... we have to get out of the boat and trust Him. Peter experienced something the other disciples didn’t... simply because he trusted his Creator enough to step over the side and trust. Today, I want you to go back to this verse and look at one simple word that teaches a powerful lesson.
That word?
Immediately.
The passage says that Jesus “immediately reached out and grabbed him.”
I love that! Many times when we think about this passage (or we see a picture of the scene), we see Jesus several yards away from His young pupil... beckoning him like a parent does to a toddler just learning to walk. That’s simply not the case. When Peter takes his eyes off of Christ and starts to sink... the Bible says Jesus is one arms length away. Let that sink in a second... Jesus was right there.... Ready to immediately catch him. Never leaving his side.
Do you know what? When you decide to climb out of the boat... to take a risk... to go after becoming the person God’s created you to be...
You’ll be one arm’s length away from Christ too.
He’s not going to have to run to you when you call... He’s not going to sit back and watch you struggle...or fail...or cry. He will be right there alongside you. He’ll save you if you start to slip. He’ll never let you out of His sight. You are in good hands.
Be bold. Step out. Have faith. You are safe.
