Walk on Water

Matthew 14:30 (The Message) 29-30
He said, "Come ahead." Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!"

Swimming in the pool yesterday with my husband & son was an awesome feeling being able to "walk in the water." It made me reflect on the passage above about Peter walking on water to Jesus. The difference for me is that I am comfortable walking "in the water" with no crutches then trying to walk around with crutches "outside the water". What a sense of beauty, peace, stillness and comfort it was to be "held up" by water. Putting one foot in front of the other in the water being held up by God's creation of water. Swimming laps with our 6 year old, having FUN, and feeling "normal" without crutches. It was liberating, and such a sense of freedom in Christ's water of love. support and embrace.

John 21:7-9 (New International Version)
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

Reading the above passage about Peter reminds me to "dive into" the water more deeply in faith to Jesus. At times when my flesh is "outside of the everlasting water of His council & love" trying to control my steps, choices and ways of accomplishing things - I struggle. This passage is such a great reminder to sync into the quiet waters of Christ in my mind & heart through still, silent time with Him in prayer & contemplation first thing in the mornings before starting and stepping into plans for the day.

Peter is such a great, impulsive, "all-in" obedient example of "diving into" faith in Him no matter what is going on in life. Out of all Jesus' disciples Peter was the one to jump in the water in such joy, and excitement to see the risen Lord, His Master, grilling fish & bread on the beach for them that morning. The other disciples rowed the boat on to the shore.

Peter jumped in... Peter.. the one who walked on water to Christ ... doubted at one point... began to sink... and then asked for Jesus to save him.... he was saved by Christ's hand pulling him up out of the water. What a beautiful reflection of Peter's belief in Christ and his journey... I identify with Peter... I am sure you do too in one way or another...

Peter may have had doubt "walking on water" at one point in his "walk" with Jesus. By the end of the story what an awesome example of selfless belief, jumping into the water to Jesus, swimming 100 yards or so to Jesus. The thoughts Peter must have had each stroke in the water... each moment... stroke after stroke... knowing in the treading of that water his arms would be embraced by His Master, the Holy of Holies.... on that beach, that morning...

In our lives this life is a journey.... a breast stroke away from life here and life eternal.... better to swim "in Christ' then swim it alone...

Dear Lord, "Help me, help whoever is reading this blog right now, to become more like Peter and just dive into who You are in any and all given circumstances. Hold us up in the waters of Your everlasting, love, grace and truth. Wash our eyes clean, so we can see how You want us to see my life/our lives for Your greater purpose. Keep us thirsty for You, and Your ways. Hold us up in your waters of wisdom, truth, joy, hope, love, and belief in You."

In Your Son's Holy name - Amen...