In Matthew 14 you find the story of Jesus walking on the water. It was the middle of the night and the disciple’s boat was being tossed by waves in the Sea of Galilee.
When Jesus came to His disciples on the water, they thought He was a ghost, but Jesus reassured them that it was really Him. Peter had a different response to Jesus’ arrival than the other disciples. In verse 28 he said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
Typically, when people recount this story, they do so with Peter asking Jesus for permission to come on the water. But if you read it carefully, Peter does not ask Jesus if he can come, and Jesus’ response is not an answer to a question. Peter said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
When Jesus responded, “Come” He was issuing a command, not granting a request. At that point Peter was obligated to walk on water. He had been commanded to.
Peter responded to Jesus’ command, got out of the boat in the middle of the sea and began to walk on the water. But before arriving at his destination he got intimidated by the wind and began to sink.
Here is the part I’d like to focus on.
I think it is impressive that Peter walked on the water. I think it is impressive that he even attempted to walk on water, let alone actually succeeding for a step or two. So when Jesus rescues Peter on the waves, I expect some type of congratulations. Maybe something like, “That was amazing Peter! You were doing it!” or at least, “That was a great try Peter!” After all, none of the other disciples were even willing to give it a shot.
But Jesus did not say anything like that. Instead, in verse 31, He said, “You have so little faith, why did you doubt me?” It doesn’t seem to be encouraging or comforting. Of all the things Jesus could have said to Peter in that moment, why that?
Jesus’ response to Peter is important because it reveals that Jesus expected complete success. He was not delighted that Peter had just tried. He was not satisfied with moderate success. Jesus knew that He had equipped Peter with everything necessary to fully carry out what he had been instructed to do. The command was for Peter to come to Jesus on the water.
The command was not “take a few steps and then sink.”
This applies to you and me as well. Whatever it is that Jesus has called you to do, He expects you to succeed. He did not call you to that place or that position to see you fail or to be mediocre. Jesus is not only desirous to see you succeed, He is fully expectant of it. He expects you to succeed at all He has called you to do.
Jesus said to Peter, “You have so little faith, why did you doubt me?” Jesus took Peter’s lack of faith and ability to walk on water personally. He didn’t say, “why did you doubt you could do it?” He asked, “why did you doubt me?” When you begin to doubt that you are fully able to do all that God has called you to do, Jesus takes it personally. It is not you or your ability that you are doubting. In reality, you are doubting His faithfulness; you are doubting His ability operating in you.
You are doubting that He knew what He was talking about when He called and positioned you.
You are doubting Him.
Show your faith in Jesus by taking up a new level of confidence that you will succeed. Honor Jesus by being absolutely certain that you are able to do all He has called you to do.
You will fully succeed! You will completely fulfill your destiny in every area of life!
Recommended Blog: The Devil Has a Solution for You
