If Peter had tried to walk on water by himself at any point, he would have sunk to the lowest depths every time. The only things he would have gained from that adventure would have been wet clothes or a swimming lesson.
Let’s look closer at Peter’s point of decision:
“But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.”
So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.”
When Jesus said “Come,” that is when Peter walked on water.
Like you, I’ve found myself facing decisions and choices. This or that? This worthwhile work, or another? This wise use of time, or another one? Does it even matter? Do I just make the best and most logical choice with the information that I currently have?
Today I am inspired and encouraged by Peter’s prayer. “Lord, if it is you, invite me to come to you.” And as I pray through the tasks and vision of both the short term and long, I will pray these words: “Lord, if it is you, invite me to come to you.”
Ask to be invited into Jesus’ work and presence. (If it is you, tell me to come to you on the water). If you are not sure what you are supposed to do, keep working and serving right where you are. But when Jesus says “come,” step out and go!
A note on purpose:
May this prayer not be an excuse for inaction. Peter was exactly where Jesus had placed him. Jesus had directed His disciples into a boat and told them to go before Him to the other side of Galilee. His followers were exhausted and terrified, but precisely where God had told them to be.
You’ve probably heard it said that it is easier to direct a moving ship than a parked car. Jesus directs the parked car, the moving ship, and the storm-tossed boat. Ask Jesus to say “Come,” and then step out to where He is.
“Biblically, God always gives the assignment first. Then God equips the person by the Holy Spirit to accomplish what He assigns.”
“Right now, God is working all around you.”
― Henry T. Blackaby, Experiencing God
