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The story of Peter walking on water had me completely undone one evening as I was reading Matthew 14. I’ve read that chapter many times and I know the story well, but somehow, it came alive to me this time in a way that I had never experienced before.

I think it started because of a little talk Jesus and I have from time to time, where I do most of the talking. It’s the talk where I complain about why He can’t just show Himself! He could, you know. Sometimes I want to see Him sitting right next to me, or taking a long walk with me, where I can physically touch Him and be with Him.

You see, I am Peter, and I don’t mean in a speaks-the-mind, impulsive kind of way (although a strong case could be made). But I mean the scared, fickle Peter who became just as troubled as the waters he stood on, even though Jesus Himself was before him.

The story unfolds with Peter and the disciples in a boat that was being battered by waves and wind, when suddenly, the Lord appears to them walking on the Sea of Galilee. Peter could not believe his eyes. “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And the Lord said “Come!” Peter steps out in what seems like a glorious leap of faith, but as the waters troubled, Peter begins to sink and is afraid. He cries out for the Lord to save him. Immediately, the Lord stretches out His hand and says to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:28–31)

This passage reminded me of something I thought of frequently when reading about the Children of Israel’s exodus out of Egypt. They had a cloud by day and a pillar by night, the physical presence of the Almighty God with them, yet they still doubted. And doubt took such deep roots in their hearts that out sprang a weed of unbelief until they fell down and worshipped a golden calf—an act that just seems unfathomable. The children of Israel were being physically guided by God, and somehow it wasn’t enough.

How many golden calves have we erected in our lives because of our lack of faith? We may be tempted to think all would be easier if God would just appear, but Peter and the Children of Israel prove that to not be the case. Our sin nature fights with our faith, trying to pull us away from what we know is truth. We like to feel some solid ground under our feet . . . to know that we know that we know where it is we stand and exactly where we’re going. We start to fall apart and He knows why. Faith and sight cannot be made whole until heaven, when faith is sight.

I think of waters I’ve stepped out on. Waters that somehow made me feel secure despite the deep unknowns because I knew it was my Father’s voice who beckoned me. But I think of times when waters shifted and the swells of life threatened to overcome. Did I keep my gaze on Jesus? Do I? How often do we step out in faith, yet the smallest ripples wrinkle our very core?

How often we trouble ourselves by fixing our eyes on circumstances rather than Jesus. He is still God regardless of what ground we stand on, desert or water. When harvests fail and waters stir, all the believer must do is be still, and yield to the Creator. When we look at Him, our surroundings lose their force and faith is restored.

We keep walking, trusting, believing in Him, knowing that regardless of how we feel or what we see, beneath those turbulent waters is the solid ground of His promise.

And His presence—more real and alive than any human eye can comprehend.