We all know the story of Peter walking on water. We usually tend to focus on his sinking into the roaring waves, but I’d like to look at what made him want to get out of the boat in the first place. I mean, what a crazy idea! 

I guess that none of us have taken a few steps on a raging sea, but as global workers, we all have acted just as foolishly as Peter did – that is, in the minds of many people (not of God, of course). Heading out into the world to accomplish God’s purposes takes as much courage (or recklessness?) as heading for the waves during a storm. So, what’s the key?

As you probably remember, when the disciples first saw Jesus, they thought he was a ghost and were terrified, but Jesus quickly identified himself. For reasons known only to Peter, he decided that the best way to confirm the Lord’s identity was to ask if he could walk on water, so Jesus invited him to come. 

What allowed Peter to climb out of the boat? Jesus’ presence on the lake. Peter’s sense of security in Christ was so strong that he did the impossible – going for a stroll on the waves. He was able to take this literal step of faith because he could see Jesus standing nearby, and he responded to Jesus’ command. 

Yes, we all know what happened next. The wind and the storm drew Peter’s attention away from Jesus to the point where he started to sink. But until that moment, he did what no one had done before or since. 

Maybe Jesus doesn’t call us to step out of a boat during a storm, but it sometimes feels that way, doesn’t it? He certainly has a knack for pulling us out of our comfort zone. But just like Peter, we can have the confidence to go where God calls us because we know that Jesus is with us. God’s presence gives us the security we need to follow God’s leading, no matter how impossible it may seem.