Matthew 14:22-32 New Living Translation (NLT)

Jesus Walks on Water

22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning[a] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here![b]”

28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong[c] wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.

Yesterday, while swimming at our neighborhood pool with my friend, we watched as her youngest daughter slowly & cautiously began “swimming” with her new floatie on towards my oldest daughter. Although her mother had repeatedly told her that the floatie would not allow her to sink, that she was “ok”…her crinkled eyebrows and high pitched cries made it apparent that she did NOT trust that they would keep her from drowning.

Kinda sounds like Peter…..and me.

How many times has God asked me to step out on the water? How many times has fear and doubt rushed over me like a storm? How many times have I taken my eyes off of Him and begun to sink?

More times than I’d like to admit.

My most recent storm has to do with unforgiveness towards someone. I know what God says about it. I know that forgiving doesn’t excuse the persons behavior. I know that unforgiveness keeps me in bondage to the enemy. So why do I continue to struggle with so little faith?

Pride. Fear.

I don’t want to forgive them. Right now I just want to be ANGRY!

I don’t want to go back and relive the offense in order to truly forgive and allow the Lord to heal my brokenness.

Still, I know that I know that I know that God is soveriegn, He is good, and He loves me. He will not let me drown. Therefore, I must choose to stand in the midst of the raging waters, torrential downpour and crashing thunder & submit my will to Him and ask Him to help me forgive. Only then will I be able to climb back into the boat with Him to reach the next destination He has for me.

By the end of the day, my friends 4 year old daughter was “swimming” by herself. She was so excited that she made sure everyone-and I mean everyone- watched her as she made her way from one side of the pool to the other! We all clapped and cheered for her bravery.

I’m guessing that no one is going to throw me a party when I forgive….but I know my Heavenly Father will rejoice with me when I do. So, I suppose its time to grab my floatie, head to the pool and start walking on that water!

Anyone wanna join me?!?