The Power of Faith: Walking on Water

In the course of our Christian walk, one particular biblical event often comes to mind when we think about the power of faith - Peter walking on water. Many sermons have been devoted to this miraculous event, some exploring the facets of Peter's faith, others elaborating more on the disbelief that sank him. Still, the very thought that a man could, by faith, challenge the laws of nature and walk on water, remains profoundly fascinating and inspiring.

The story of Peter’s walk on water affirms that faith is not just a mere notion, but a potent and transformative power. In this blog post, we will explore the depth of this biblical event, dissect the power of faith, and link its implications to our daily walks as Christians.

A Brief Recap of the Event

The story is located in Matthew 14:22-33. Jesus had sent away his disciples in a boat after feeding five thousand men with five loaves of bread and two fish - another miracle demonstrating the omnipotence of God. They were to go ahead of him to the other side of a lake while he dismissed the crowd. After saying goodbye to the throng, Jesus retires to a solitary place to pray.

Meanwhile, on their way across the lake, the disciples encounter a tempest. As they battle the fierce wind and waves, they see a figure moving towards them on the water. Terrified, they thought they were seeing a ghost. But Jesus quickly allays their fears, confirming that it is He, not a phantom, approaching.

Interestingly, Peter requests that if it truly is Jesus, he should command him (Peter) to come to Him on the water. Jesus responds with a simple word: “Come”. And without hesitation, Peter steps out of the boat and begins his miraculous walk on water towards Jesus. However, when he takes his eyes off Jesus and becomes conscious of the boisterous wind, he begins to sink. Immediately, Jesus reaches out and saves him, gently reproving him for his doubt.

Dissecting the Power of Faith

1. Faith Initiates Action

It begins with the audacious desire that Peter presents to Jesus: “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water” (Matthew 14:28). This idea was birthed out of faith, a confident belief that with Jesus' approval, he could achieve the impossible. Therefore, faith is not just the belief in the unseen; it is the trigger for action, even in doubtful conditions.

2. Faith Transcends Human Limitations

Peter’s initial victory over the water, albeit briefly, defied human reasoning. This disruption of the natural law echoes what scripture tells us in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Thus, faith is not bound by the constraints of human ability; it leverages on the infinite power of God to achieve extraordinary feats.

3. Faith is Sustained By Focusing on Christ

The moment Peter's focus shifted from Jesus to the tempestuous winds, he began to sink. He left the realm of faith, entering the realm of human understanding and reasoning once more. As Hebrews 12:2 implores us, we must constantly be “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...” Hence, spiritual focus is vital in maintaining a firm faith that can defy life’s ferocious storms.

Applying the Power of Faith in Our Lives

Learning about the power of faith through the story of Peter's audacious water-walking encounter provides a roadmap on how to manifest faith in our daily lives:

1. Take The Leap

Regardless of our circumstances, we must be willing, like Peter, to step out of our comfort zones and walk towards Jesus - even when the path appears to defy what we understand as possible or probable. It could be a career change, a decision to forgive, a commitment to missions, or a zealous prayer for healing; whatever the leap may be, the act of stepping out encapsulates a faith walking towards Christ.

2. Believe Beyond Your Ability

We must understand that our abilities are limited, but with faith in God, we can accomplish extraordinary things. Similarly, like Peter, we may be up against a seemingly insurmountable challenge - a ‘boisterous wind’. However, just like he did, we must believe in the supernatural power of God that knows no limits. We must embrace the truth in Ephesians 3:20 that says, “Now unto him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think…”

3. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Finally, faith is a journey, not just a step. After we take the leap and begin to walk in faith, we are to continually set our gaze upon Jesus, regardless of how fierce the storm gets. Momentary distractions may come, aiming to detour our focus from Christ to the storm, but we must remember to fix our eyes on Him. Our faith would stand, unaffected by the wind, when we behold Christ in all His glory and majesty.

In conclusion, the power of faith is an excellent gift from God to believers. It enables us to accomplish the impossible, charting a course through life’s biggest waves with calmness and certainty. The story of Peter walking on water serves as a potent illustration of this attribute. It elucidates the workings of faith, its power, and its challenges. Through our understanding of this event, we can harness the power of faith in our daily lives, daring to stride on life’s troubled waters while constantly fixing our gaze on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Be encouraged today to live out a life of audacious faith!