Last time we saw the disciples head out in the boat, doing what Jesus told them to do when He told them to do it, and they are having problems with the storm. Jesus came alongside of them to give them encouragement. The Lord always knows when we are having a tough time, and is present to come alongside and help us in our time of need. But still, the storm may rage on!

They saw Him coming, and were afraid.

Matthew 14:27-29

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."

28 Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."

Now if the Lord says, “Come”, then Peter immediately knows two things. One, it is the Lord; and two, it is the Lord’s will for Peter to walk on the water!

29 And He said, "Come!" …

Just because Peter now knows that it IS the Lord’s will for him to walk on the water, he still has to get out of the boat! There is many times a huge difference between knowing what it is the Lord wants you to do, and actually doing it. The thing that joins them together is FAITH.

…And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

So Peter, by faith, gets out of the boat and walks toward Jesus on the water. He’s doing great! He’s walking by faith, and accomplishing the will of God! But still he is going to face difficulty. The storm still doesn’t stop.

Matthew 14:30

30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"

Just because the Lord leads you to do something, it does not mean that you will not encounter difficulties. When Peter focuses on the difficulties (the wind) he loses his focus on the Lord. Is it just me, or don’t we all have the same problems?! The wind is simply a detail, along with the waves and the darkness. Doesn’t Peter remember that “ALL things are possible with God?” Don’t YOU?

Matthew 14:30-31

30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"

31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Don’t you just love that word, immediately? The Lord is right there to keep Peter from drowning, even though he gets a little wet. He promises to do the same for us. You might get a little wet, but the Lord will provide the help you need, exactly when you need it, when you call upon Him.

Psalms 50:15

15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble;

I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."

But Peter starts focusing on the problem, instead of on the Lord. The natural result is that he begins to doubt. He started off walking by faith, but failed to KEEP walking by faith.

Matthew 14:32-33

32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped.

33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, "You are certainly God's Son!"

Mark brings out another interesting point to this story. If you remember, Jesus had just that day fed the multitude with the 5 loaves and two fish.

Mark 6:51-52

51 Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, (the word means driven out of their senses)

52 for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.

They had been witnesses to the miracle of Jesus solving the problem of food for 5000+ people, and still they failed to trust Him to solve their current problem. Just like Peter did, they focused on the PROBLEM instead of trusting Him for the SOLUTION!

When you know you are doing what God wants you to do, don’t be surprised if you face problems and difficulties. Realize that God is always going to come alongside, and give you the encouragement you need to get through the storm. He simply wants you to keep your focus and faith in Him, knowing that He will rescue you.