This post is Day 16 in a series of studies about “Surprises”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Surprises – Day 16

Matthew 14:29

Come! – Jesus said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

The Thought

This must have been another of the bigger surprises in the gospels. John doesn’t mention it in the version we looked at yesterday. But Matthew’s gospel gives us many more details about the experiences of the disciples of Jesus. The disciples had not yet learned to be afraid of nothing, they didn’t really get that message until after Pentecost when they all were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Naturally they were afraid when they saw what they thought could only be a ghost walking toward them on the water’s surface! Jesus’ word of reassurance Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid (Matthew 14:27) encouraged Peter to get out of the boat and walk towards his Master. It is sad that many of us who know this story, always remember that Peter doubted and fell. We rarely celebrate the fact that he walked on the surface of the rough sea towards his master (verse 29).

Many of us have those moments when we know God might be asking us to do something which seems difficult, even impossible, and we dare to “get out of the boat”. But then a second thought tells us that it won’t work, it is impossible, and we take our eyes off the Saviour and begin to sink!

Action

Pray today for the Lord to strengthen you in anything He might be asking you to do. Pray to be focussed on Him and not on any rough sea that surrounds you.

Read Matthew 14:22-32 and feel the emotions of the disciples. Their frustration at the storm, their discussion of the miracle of the 5000 people fed, the miracle of the calming of the storm the moment Jesus got into the boat. Invite Him to “get into your boat” in whatever you are doing today.


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