But water walking has a greater purpose in Matthew 14:22-32. Christ’s disciples were in a storm and Jesus came to them. In their fear, they mistook Him for a ghost. In His grace, He said “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here!”

These are welcome words to His fearful followers. Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

Pleased with Peter’s faith and poised for what would happen next, I imagine Jesus smiled.

“Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter walked on the water toward Jesus. His faith in Christ overcame every sense of caution to follow Him.

For Peter, “Yes, come.” was his flight confirmation. With these two words from Christ, Peter began to FLY: Fear not. Lean hard. Yield completely.  Well, he didn’t literally fly; He walked on the water — towards Jesus.

What confirmation do we need from Christ to take our next step towards Him?

After Peter’s momentary miracle, he began to sink. He walked on the water until he realized he was walking on water. Is there something you stopped doing the moment you realized you were doing it?

You were completing the project.

You were working on the relationship.

You were FLY-ing.

Peter would tell us, “Don’t stop. Keep going.”  I believe, he’d tell us “I didn’t see the strength of the wind and the waves, until I took my eyes off Christ.”

As Peter cried out for help, Jesus grabbed him. He’s here to grab us too. Just a few chapters later in Matthew 26, Christ is at the Last Supper with the disciples. As He gives them the cup of wine He says,

 “…for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” (v. 28)

You and I are among the “many.” Christ’s blood is our confirmation. As we believe, we can overcome every sense of caution and follow Him too. The wind and the waves are not stronger than the strength we have in Christ.  As we keep our eyes on Him we find hope for the heart and joy to the soul.

Click here for more information on this series and the “It’s Time to FLY” gallery!