I've always been fascinated by the Apostle Peter.  Perhaps, because I find it so easy to relate to his impulsive, talkative nature and his propensity for speaking from his heart. My favorite story about Peter is related in several different gospels. But only the Gospel of Mathew actually tells us about Peter's water walking adventure. The other two gospels only focus  on Jesus walking on the wingtips of the waves.

Here's a brief recap of the tale if you're not familiar.  The disciplines have just finished cleaning up one of those monumental miracle events for which Jesus was famous.  A Dinner created and multiplied from 5 loaves and 2 small fish of has just been served to 5,000 men besides women and children. There's even leftovers! 

Afterwards, Jesus tells the disciples to get in the boat and head towards the other side of the shore of the sea of Galilee while he dismisses the enormous crowd.  As the day darkens into evening, Jesus is alone on the shore and the disciples are still trying to make it to the other side of the lake. They're having major difficulty because of stormy weather related conditions which have produced huge waves. 

Somewhere between 3:00 a.m. ~ 6:00 a.m. in the morning, (the fourth watch of the night in Roman tradition), they are haunted by a  strange phenomenon. Terrified, they observe a figure walking towards them across the tidal waves and they are sure they are being visited by an apparition from the netherworld.  But the voice of Jesus calls out to them to assure them saying, "Take courage! It is I.  Don't be afraid." (Matthew 14:27)

Now, this is what I love about Peter. He's not afraid to challenge the ghost.  He talks back!  In spite of his very real real fears he says..."Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." While many sermons I've heard over the years focused on the fact that Peter steps out on the water and begins to sink, what has always held a peculiar fascination for me is that Peter didn't allow his Fear to define the parameters of engagement.  He challenges "the ghost" to prove itself.

Peter gets out of the boat and actually dares to do the impossible!  In-spite of huge waves, driving winds...he finds himeself walking on top of large looming waves of water.  But circumstances have their way of bearing down on all of us.  As he begins to look at the predicament in which he has just placed himself by stepping out of the relative safety of a boat and into the deep uncertainty of an unchartered course, he realises he's in deep trouble and rapidly begins to sink.  But not before asking for some divine assistance..."Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30)

And God does!  Reaching out a hand, Jesus catches him and in an instant, the impetuous disciple and his Master are back in the boat.  But not before Jesus chides Peter for his doubting.  I think perhaps he must have truly enjoyed those few moments of watching Peter step outside himself.  Can you imagine that show...two men totally in defiance of the laws of gravity and turning all the rules and laws of nature upside down.  Can't blame Jesus for wanting Peter to do it for just a tad longer...

I can imagine the conversation of the other 11 who remained in the boat.  They're probably too terrified to stop Peter, but probably NO ONE says "That's a great idea Peter, Go For it!" In fact, they're probably wishing Peter would just SHUT UP.  Maybe whatever it is out there will just GO AWAY instead of come towards them.  But, NO...blabber mouth has to speak up and then jump out of the boat in the middle of a storm.  But, they can't help but watch.  To their surprise, Peter's doing it...He's walking on a Lake!

You see, Jesus command is not just to Peter who is marooned on a watery highway, it's to everyone within hearing distance who needs to hear the message.  He is clear and precise..."Don't BE AFRAID, TAKE COURAGE."  Why is this important.  I think it's because he's showing us a powerful lesson.  The water and the waves did NOT have the power to destroy Peter or drown the boat contrary to what they assumed.  Peter's walking on the water had clearly demonstrated that nothing is impossible.  Rather it was their FEAR which was the biggest hindrance to their deliverance.  He instructs them in one passage to "TAKE COURAGE."  Instead of succumbing to the shrill call of FEAR, take the powerful, life restoring grace of COURAGE.

And it works!  Instantly, the wind dies down and they are able to steer the boat safely towards the shore.  There's a powerful message in this ancient story for the stormy conditions which are over shadowing the real estate industry right now.  The winds of adversity and the waves of bad news are swelling with intensity on a daily basis.  Many have already been overcome and succumbed to the the reality of not being able to support themselves and their families. 

But for every boat full of fearful people, there's a Peter.  Look for them during these times. Folks who are not afraid to call it like they see it...not afraid to ride the lions mane if it means it's the last breath they take.  You might have someone like this in your office or hear about their exploits.  Don't waste your breath deriding these brave hearts for being silly and out of tune with reality.  TAKE THEIR COURAGE.  This is their unique gift. 

We've always had these inspirational souls in our midst.  They are disciples disguised in the garb of ordinary affairs.  They are the Abraham Lincolns who said NO to Slavery even at the cost of perhaps irreparably damaging the union.  These brave souls may be bent over men & women like Gandhi or Mother Teresa who challenged the status quo with a bull horn that was much louder than any sounds that emanated from their frail frames.  Or they may be a mother, teacher or mentor who challenged you to move on by leading the way when you'd all but given up.

The point is, A WAY will always be provided to those who choose to TAKE COURAGE rather than hold onto FEAR.  So, if you're struggling with looming waves of uneasiness and despair, you're not alone.  There were 11 others who remained in the boat.  Remember that the miracle working power resides within you.  Peter walked on his own two feet not those belonging to Jesus.  Use what you've got and step out.  Don't allow yourself to be overtaken by the storm...Use What is IN YOU to tame it! 

Versions of this story can be found in the following Gospels:

Matthew 14:13-36, Mark 6:30-56, John 6:15-24 

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