An Outrageous Walk of Faith

Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Matthew 14:28

Asking Jesus to do something extravagant is one thing, but asking Him to COMMAND you to do something outrageous is quite another! Peter was a risk taker and although his mouth could get him into some interesting predicaments I admire his spirit of adventure. I see him as the “bungee jumper” of the group. Consider the scene with me.

It had been a long day. They had just spent a good part of the day with over 5,000 people. Healings had taken place and then a boy’s lunch of bread and fish had fed them all…with twelve baskets left over. Jesus had the disciples get into a boat while He sent the crowds away and then went to a secluded place to pray and night fell. A storm arose as the disciples crossed the body of water. Somewhere between 3:00 and 6:00 in the morning Jesus comes to them walking on the water. Their first thought upon seeing him is that it is a ghost. Exhausted, fearful, and anxious they cry out. He gives them words of assurance as He says, “Do not be afraid. It is I.” While those words may have put the other disciples at peace, Peter makes his bold statement and requests that Jesus commands him to come to Him on the water.

This command would require Peter to step out of the safety of his boat….a comfort zone. It would require him to do the impossible….walk on water. Amidst the crash of waves and howling of the wind, Peter has one thing in mind…..do what Jesus is doing! He knows that when Jesus commands him to do something He will provide the ability to do it. Given his present circumstance, Peter chooses the most extravagant thing he could come up with. It showcases a “walk by faith and not by sight” event!

I want to live like Peter! I want to be so caught up with who God is that I dare to jump off cliffs of comfort, make my way out on to some skinny limbs, step out of boxes that confine me and stifle my growth, and just ask God to command me to do something that exceeds the norm. People will not always understand but God delights in such things!

Father, take away any reluctance on my part to live uninhibited with You. Call me to Yourself and command me to do what is impossible to do without Your help. Amen.