it just takes one step...

^28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

^29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ^30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

^31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”  (Mt 14:28-31., NIV)

 

God is an equal opportunity God, in other words, there where 12 men on that boat, and only one acted. 

 

To set the scene, Jesus had a long day of ministering and needed some "self - time" or time to pray.  He sent the disciples on.  They had sailed well into the night, when whoever was on lookout saw Jesus coming walking on the water and feared it was a ghost.  They all watched as Jesus approached, and Peter asks if it is Jesus and then for Jesus to allow him to walk to him on the water.  Unbelievable enough Peter takes that first step off the boat and goes, and he was the only one willing to take the step.

 

It takes a lot of bravery to take that first step.  It takes a lot of confidence in that first step.  It takes a lot of faith in that first step.  This whole first step tells us a lot about Peter.  Peter's mouth gets him into a lot of trouble throughout scripture, but here it is his actions that show a lot about him. 

 

That first step, wondering when the foot hits the water what will happen.  Peter takes that step, and unbelievable what happens.  He begins to walk on the water, confidence begins to build, and in a moment he loses it.  Circumstances dictate his reaction.  The wind picks up, it starts to rain, and the waves get higher.  Peter goes into full panic mode, takes his eyes off Jesus, and begins to sink.

 

Immediately Jesus grabs him.

 

Sometimes God asks us to do things extremely brave, something extremely unusual, and something no one else is willing to do.  Something that may not make sense to anyone else.  So the bravest one, does it.  They say a prayer, take a deep breath, and take that step.  Once that step is taken there is no turning back.  The first step is taken, and you realize you didn't sink to the bottom.  You take another step just to be sure.  With each progressing step your confidence and faith is building.  Your excited can't wait to continue this journey that you are now on.  Your steps pick up pace, you smile as you look ahead to what is getting closer, the potential is there... its right within your grasp.

 

and then...

 

the wind picks up, the storm builds, and the waves get higher.

 

Your steps slow, your progression slows, your confidence shrinks, and you look back and think "should I have not taken that step".....

 

and you begin to sink.  You sink into despair, you sink into hopelessness, and you sink into self pity.

 

You remember why you even stepped out in the first place.  You turn back around to try and see the one Who wanted you to take the step.  Fear grips you as you don't immediately see Him.  The wind is howling, the rain is beating on your face blurring your vision, and you are pounded with wave after wave.  You are tired, you feel lost, and you are about to completely give up.  Out of desperation you muster enough strength to cry out, "Lord HELP ME".  Immediately the right hand of the ONE who called you stretches out and grabs yours.  You feel strength, you feel hope, and you feel peace.

 

Then He says, "Why did you doubt me"

 

It just takes one step.... LORD HELP ME

 

Chris....