Insights on Walking on Water

You have to step out of the boat.

A few years ago, my son and I were discussing the story of Peter walking on water I gained some insights I’d never thought of before that made me love and admire this man even more than I did before!!

So often when we hear this story, I think we focus on the sinking and the saving of Peter. Maybe this is because so often we feel like that sinking soul and can relate to needing the Savior to reach out for us. And even though that too was a great miracle, this week I was struck by the fact that Peter actually did walk on water. There were twelve disciples in the boat and only one had the courage and the faith to step out.

I want Peter-like courage and faith! How often do we, like the other eleven disciples, stay in the boat and allow amazing, miraculous opportunities to pass us by because we don’t have the faith or the courage to take that first step of leaving the safety of the boat?

I love and admire Peter so much!!! He too was scared. He didn’t need to leave the safety of the boat. Nobody else did. From his question, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me to come…” I’m not convinced he was even sure it was Christ. But if it was Him, he wanted to be part of the miracle. He wanted to partake of Christ’s power so badly that he was willing to step out of the boat. I can’t even imagine how terrifying that first step must have been! But Peter had enough faith to step out of the boat. And because he did… Peter walked on water!

So, I think there are at least 3 things we can learn from Peter in this story:

1. If we want miracles to happen in our lives, as terrifying as it might be, we must get out of the boat! We must take that first step, trusting in the Lord’s power to help us.

2. We must keep our eyes focused on Christ and not allow fear to divert our attention to the storms that swirl around us.

3. If we do fail after taking some steps, we can call out to the Lord and He will immediately reach for us!