Peter: The Second Chance Apostle (3)

The Walker Wanes

There was something great which occurred after the feeding of the 5,000. The book of Matthew records Peter doing something extraordinary (Matt. 14:22-33). While Christ was alone praying, the disciples were being tossed around by a storm in the Sea of Galilee. Obviously, they are somewhat frightened by what is occurring. To make matter worse, they see what they believe to be a ghost walking toward the ship. Imagine how calming it must have been to hear, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (v. 27). Peter upon hearing this comes to a realization. “If this truly is the Christ, then I should be able to walk on the water toward Him.” After receiving an invitation by Christ, Peter walked on the water and began heading toward Jesus. At this moment Peter is focused on the right person. His focus is on the Christ. That focus is about to shift. Peter begins to pay more attention to the strong winds and the waves beating upon his legs. Peter begins to slowly sink into the seas. Too often people use this time to critique the apostle for his lack of faith. Did any of the other apostles use this opportunity to walk on water? It was only Peter who did this. Yes, he did end up focusing on the wrong things but do not discount that which he did.

We can be guilty of the same actions of Peter. While none of us will walk on water (1 Cor. 13), there are moments where are spiritual lives will not be as they should be. Think of a time in which things are going great spiritually speaking. We have our focus on Christ and are going strong as Christians when all of a sudden something comes along and derails our progress. Our focus goes from Christ to other things. The storms which this life brings cause us to channel our energies where they should not be and our faith begins to waver. If one is not careful, that one can find himself in over his head.

There is a word which should encourage any Christian who finds themselves in such a state. That word is “immediately.” Peter, realizing his state, cries out, “Lord, save me!” (v. 30). Notice, we do not read of Christ waiting for a moment before He pulled Peter out of the waters. He did not tell Peter, “Keep thinking about what you have done and I will pull you out of this situation when I am good and ready.” IMMEDIATELY, Christ pulled Peter up and brought the apostle back to the ship. When we find ourselves overwhelmed by the world and the trials which we face, please realize there is a hand outstretched and waiting for us to take hold. Peter was given a second chance. So will we be given one.