Step Out

"And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus."  (Matthew 14:22-29).

     The disciples were in the boat in during a storm. The wind was tossing their boat; and besides this, it was somewhere between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.  They were, no doubt tired, and it may have still been dark. They were fearful when they saw Jesus walking on the water; not sure who or what they saw. Peter exhibited some faith by making a request to Jesus. He said, "Lord, if it's You, let me come to You."  That took faith, it took courage, it took boldness. Jesus said one simple little word:  "Come".  Peter didn't need to know how deep the water was. He didn't ask Jesus to come and get him by the hand, he didn't ask how cold the water was, he didn't ask any questions or make any excuses as to why he couldn't do it. He didn't tell the Lord that it was impossible for him to walk on the water. He simply got out the boat and actually walked on the water to go to Jesus!  Peter stepped out BY faith IN the Word.  Jesus said, "Come", and Peter went. It's that simple.

     God is looking for those who will simply step out the their boat, step out of their circumstances, step out of their situations by faith in His Word. We always want to ask questions:  "But, Lord, how? when? for how long? why?" We want to make excuses, "That's impossible, I can't, no one has ever done this before, I'm afraid". God just simply wants us to trust Him. If He asks us to do it, He will not let us drown. If He told us in His Word to do it, He will not let us fail. 

     Jesus simply said, "Come". He didn't say, "Peter, come". That means that any of the disciples in that boat could have done the same as Peter as soon as they heard Jesus say, "Come". They were afraid and waiting on Peter to step out first. They wanted to see what happened to him first. There are people today that are waiting on someone else to step out first. They are waiting on "Peter" to obey first. Peter got the blessing of walking on the water. Yes, in later verses, he began to sink when he looked around at the waves and became afraid; but Jesus lifted him back up and they walked to the boat together.

"But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" (Matthew 14:30-31).

     Jesus is simply saying, "Come". This invitation is still being extended today. If you are going through a storm in your life, if your boat seems to be tossing in the wind and you are tired, afraid and hopeless, He is waiting for you to make that step toward Him. He will not let you drown. He will not let you fail. He is right there to take your hand and help you. Don't be like the other disciples who ignored His invitation. Be like Peter, and make that step towards Jesus today. You will be so happy you did. 

 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30).

     Jesus is calling today. He doesn't want you afraid. He doesn't want you tossed around from side to side. He is saying "Come to me". Make that first step towards Him. It might seem scary, it might seem impossible, but you can do it, because He is there with you. He would not ask you to come to Him and then let you drown. He is loving and kind. He loves you and wants you near Him. Come to Him today and trust in Him. Step out on His Word. Have faith in Him and look to Him. You will be so happy that you did!