God Makes Us Able
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”
Matthew 14:27–30
When Jesus came walking on the water to where the disciples were fighting a fierce storm, He was doing something none of them had ever seen before. It’s important to remember that many of them were experienced sailors who knew the difference between a minor storm and a life-threatening downpour. They were terrified, but then Jesus showed up. Rather than being comforted, they were initially even more terrified, thinking they were seeing some kind of ghost. Even after Jesus spoke to them they were still unsure.
Then Peter, with his customary impetuousness came up with a way to confirm that it was really Jesus. He asked Jesus if it really were Him, that He would call Peter out onto the water. And in response to the command of Jesus, Peter got out of the boat and successfully walked across the water just as Jesus was doing…until he took his eyes off Jesus and began to focus on his surroundings.
This story is a powerful demonstration of God’s equipping and enabling that prepares us for His service. None of us are likely to need to join Peter on the surface of the Sea of Galilee, but all of us are called to get out of our boats—to go beyond what we have done before and take on new challenges and responsibilities. In those moments we must not rely on our own strength and resources, and we must not focus on the difficulties around us. Instead, we must look to Jesus and follow His voice. Only in the power of God can we find the ability to accomplish what He calls us to do and experience His peace in the time of storms.
Matthew 14:27–30
When Jesus came walking on the water to where the disciples were fighting a fierce storm, He was doing something none of them had ever seen before. It’s important to remember that many of them were experienced sailors who knew the difference between a minor storm and a life-threatening downpour. They were terrified, but then Jesus showed up. Rather than being comforted, they were initially even more terrified, thinking they were seeing some kind of ghost. Even after Jesus spoke to them they were still unsure.
Then Peter, with his customary impetuousness came up with a way to confirm that it was really Jesus. He asked Jesus if it really were Him, that He would call Peter out onto the water. And in response to the command of Jesus, Peter got out of the boat and successfully walked across the water just as Jesus was doing…until he took his eyes off Jesus and began to focus on his surroundings.
This story is a powerful demonstration of God’s equipping and enabling that prepares us for His service. None of us are likely to need to join Peter on the surface of the Sea of Galilee, but all of us are called to get out of our boats—to go beyond what we have done before and take on new challenges and responsibilities. In those moments we must not rely on our own strength and resources, and we must not focus on the difficulties around us. Instead, we must look to Jesus and follow His voice. Only in the power of God can we find the ability to accomplish what He calls us to do and experience His peace in the time of storms.
Today’s Growth Principle:
The fear that terrified the disciples was already under Jesus’ feet, and He gave them peace.
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