How to Know God's Will - Part 4

Your Purpose Is In Action
How to know God's will - Part 4
by Rhonda Jackson

The true story of Jesus – and then Peter – walking on water in Matthew 14 is one of the most dramatic in all of Scripture. If you’re someone who gets a little seasick just looking at a rocking boat, the thought of sailing in a storm is scary, and knowing the disciples were far from shore heightens the terror. We might guess that seasoned sailors like Peter and Andrew were accustomed to bad weather – but we can be absolutely sure they never saw anyone walking on the water.  

Peter’s humanity shines in all of the gospels, but never more than when he’s afraid: As he watches Jesus transfigured before his very eyes, he blurts something about building three tents for them, for he did not know what to say, for they were terrified (Mark 9). When his beloved Teacher foretells his fate on the cross, a confused and confounded Peter blurts This shall never happen! until Jesus sets him straight (Matthew 16) – and finally, when his own life is at stake for being a disciple of the Lord, Peter, in his terror, denies that he even knows Jesus! (Luke 22). Peter makes an admirable apostle because we not only chuckle at his cowardice but also occasionally relate to it!  

But Peter’s impulsiveness serves him well in Matthew’s gospel as he demonstrates the very basics of faith; the ABCs, if you will. His AUDACITY as he challenges Jesus – Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water! Occasionally, our faith requires fearlessness that borders on impudence: consider Rosa Park’s refusal and how it turned the tide of civil rights. Peter’s BOLDNESS in suggesting such a thing sounds shocking, but Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to approach God boldly, unafraid to ask for miracles and pray big prayers. Peter embodies COURAGE, as he actually steps out of the boat and onto the water, forever sealing an image in our brain that serves as the very metaphor for our own faith – If you want to walk on water, you’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat! (John Ortberg).

Too often, when Christ commands us to “Come!” (Matthew 14:29) – we hit pause rather than play. We overthink, we ruminate, we rephrase the question and hope for a different answer.  We’re appalled at Peter as he shoots off his mouth but also attracted to his very humanity; we relate to his ill temper and the way he so often speaks without thinking. But Peter serves as a modern-day role model: moved by audacity and boldness, he courageously steps out.  When his eyes are on Jesus, he walks on water. When he looks around at the waves and wind; at the odds against what he’s doing, he sinks. We modern-day disciples would do well to follow his example!  

God’s will for your life is on the other side of putting your faith into action.

This post was inspired by the following message.