The Miraculous Power of Faith: Walking on Water

At some point in our lives, we have all heard or read the poignant tale of Jesus walking on water. This event is well documented in the gospels of Matthew (14: 22-33), Mark (6: 47-52), and John (6: 16-21). Not only does it serve as a testament to Jesus's divine power, but it also inevitably sparks countless questions in our minds. How could Jesus walk on water? Are miracles in general truly feasible? Can faith actually give us the power to defy the laws of physics?

These are all weighty questions, but their answers are found in the same place as the inquiry was initiated – in the exploration of faith. The miraculous power of faith is a significant theme in the Bible. It isn’t merely personal, but deeply transformative and is capable of altering the course of our lives and changing our realities.

Before we delve deeper into the miraculous power of faith, it is critical to understand the account of Jesus walking on water. Let’s journey back to this powerful piece of Biblical history.

The story unfolds as Jesus instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while he spent solitary time in prayer. As night fell, the waters grew tumultuous. Jesus, seeing his disciples struggling against the wind and waves, walked towards them on the water. The sight filled them with fear, mistaking Him for a ghost.

To alleviate their fears, Jesus cried out, "Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid." (Matthew 14:27). Then, Peter, ever the impulsive one, challenged Jesus, "Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water" (Matthew 14:28). Jesus simply beckoned him with a "Come." Peter stepped out of the boat and began walking on the water towards Jesus. As his focus shifted to the swirling storm around him, he became frightened and began to sink. Jesus reached out, held him fast, and questioned, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" They returned to the boat, and immediately the storm ceased (Matthew 14:29-32).

This account is far more than a testament of Jesus’ miracles. It is a resounding message about faith. The story highlights the essence of faith and its miraculous power, not only in this Biblical context but also for our lives. As we explore this narrative deeper, there are three crucial lessons we can learn about faith.

1. Faith Invites Us to Step Out of Our Comfort Zones
Peter’s decision to step out of the boat, in the middle of a raging storm, was undoubtedly a bold and audacious move. But it was a step he took because of faith. Faith, in its true essence, invites us to step out of our comfort zones. We are asked to trust the unknown, to believe in the unseen, and to place our confidence in divine possibilities. Just as Jesus invited Peter to come, He is inviting us to step beyond our limitations, fears, and doubts.

2. Faith Requires Focus
Peter managed to walk on the water as long as he was focused on Jesus. But the moment he let the surrounding circumstances distract him, he began to sink. Keeping our eyes focused on the source of our faith is crucial. The storms of life can distract us. Problems, difficulties, and trials can take our focus away from God. But as long as we keep our eyes on Him, we can walk over any challenging situation.

3. Faith is Trusting in God’s Ability, Not Our Own
Peter’s ability to walk on water was not because of his own ability but solely based on the power of Jesus. Faith is not in our strengths, abilities, or resources, but wholly in the omnipotent power of God. It’s the unwavering belief and assurance in God's ability to perform miracles and change situations. When we exercise faith, we're allowing God to intervene and work beyond the natural laws.

The story of Jesus walking on water isn’t merely a miraculous tale of defying physics. It's a powerful lesson about faith's transformative powers. It challenges us to step out in faith, keep our focus on Jesus, and rely entirely on God's ability.

In a world that is increasingly relying on empirical knowledge and tangible evidence, faith can seem misplaced or even foolish. However, faith isn’t opposed to reason. Instead, it transcends reason. As we navigate the troubled waters of our lives, may we have the courage to step out in faith and experience its miraculous power as Peter did. By doing so, we will find that the waters we once feared hold no power over us. Instead, we walk above them, guided by our faith in the One who rules over the wind and waves.