Word reached Jesus that His friend and forerunner, John the Baptist, had been martyred. Desiring to be alone with His apostles, Jesus crossed over the Sea of Galilee to Bethsaida on the northeastern shore. The crowds followed Him, and soon there were thousands. Filled with compassion, Jesus taught and ministered to them. Late that day He miraculously fed the thousands with five loaves and two fishes. So impressed were they with the miracle, the people tried to make Him a king by force. He would have none of it, and sent them away to their homes.

The twelve He constrained to get back in the boat, and return to Capernaum. Jesus turned from them, and went up into the mountains overlooking the lake, and spent the remainder of the night in prayer.

The apostles began their six-mile journey across the lake, but as they did so, the wind and the waves arose in their face. After some six hours, they had only gone about 3 miles. They were midway in the deepest part of the lake.

Then suddenly, one of them looked out across the water and saw the figure of a man walking on the water toward them. In terror, they cried out thinking that it was a ghost. The Master’s voice carried to them above the wind.

“… Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

It was His voice, but because of the darkness and distance, Peter was not sure it was really Jesus.

“… Lord,” he said, “if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” (Matthew 14:28)

Jesus said, “… Come …” (Matthew 14:29)

Peter stepped out of the boat onto the water, and began walking toward Jesus with his eyes fixed resolutely on Him. Evidently he had gone some distance from the boat when the fierceness of the storm broke his concentration. I picture of a large wave hitting Peter in the leg causing him to look down. The moment he did, the wind and the waves overwhelmed his growing faith. Doubt and fear filled his mind causing him to lose his nerve. Peter began to sink.

“… Lord, save me.” he cried. (Matthew 14:30)

Jesus stepped forward, caught Peter by the hand, and lifted him back atop the water.

“… O thou of little faith,” He said, “wherefore didst thou doubt? …” (Matthew 14:31)

It was as though the Savior was saying to him, ‘Peter, why did you doubt me? You could have done this easily.’

Jesus and Peter walked to the boat. The wind and waves of Chinnereth instantly calmed, and just as miraculously, the ship crossed the remaining three miles of the lake to Capernaum shore immediately. The apostles worshipped Him in awe.

Now my friends, this story is life. There are times for all of us when life becomes like a stormy and dangerous sea on a dark night. The wind and waves of opposition buffet our faces while under our feet is the cold blackness of deep water waiting to swallow us in depression and despair. May I impress upon you a mental image? Remember Peter.

The next time it’s too much for you, picture yourself throwing your hand to the heavens and crying out with desperate faith, “Lord, save me.” Keep calling, and He will come to you. He will lift you above the waves and walk with you.

There will surely be other storms. After all, just as Peter was midway across the lake, so too are we midway in our eternal journey, between our first estate and our third, traversing, if you will, the deepest of waters. But – and never forget this – with Jesus at our side, the journey will seem to go much quicker and oh, so much smoother. And when it is over, we too will fall at His feet, worship Him, and know that we couldn’t have made it without Him.