7 Lessons We Learn From Peter Walking on Water
“And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:28-33)
The story of Jesus walking on water appears in three of the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, John). But, only in Matthew do we also learn that Peter also walked on water!
How crazy must that have been to witness?
Here are 7 Lessons We Learn From Peter Walking on Water:
1. Don’t take your eyes off Jesus.
Although a storm surrounded Him, Peter looked to Jesus. The only problem was that he stopped looking at Jesus.
The principle is clear: especially when life is a tumultuous storm, look for Jesus and keep looking to Jesus.
Can you honestly say that your eyes are fixed on Jesus?
2. When Jesus commands you, obey Him.
Jesus told Peter to “come” to Him on the water. Even though it made no sense, Peter did what Jesus said. This is what obedience looks like–doing what Jesus says.
Is there any area in your life that you are not obeying the Lord?
3. Faith is simply taking the next step.
Peter took one step to get out of the boat and onto the water. Peter was doing just fine when he was focused on the next step, and got into trouble when he lost sight of his next step.
What next step has Jesus asked you to take?
4. Faith unleashes the supernatural.
Peter did not experience the supernatural power of God that allowed him to walk on water until he trusted as evidenced by his actions.
When we have faith, we can expect God to do what man cannot.
Is there anything you need to be doing differently in faith?
5. Fear will sink you.
When Peter had faith, he walked on water. When he had fear, he sank in the water. The same is true for you. Fear will sink you.
Is fear gripping and controlling your decision making?
6. A little faith is better than no faith.
Jesus spoke of Peter’s “little faith”. This means that he was capable of even greater sustained faith. But, the guys in the boat apparently had no faith.
Are you acting out of faith or fear?
7. Jesus saves you from many things.
Jesus not only saved Peter from hell, but on this occasion Jesus saved Peter from drowning even though he acted out of fear and doubted Him.
What things has Jesus saved you from?
