So When They Had Rowed Three Or Four Miles, They Saw Jesus Walking On The Sea And Drawing Near The Boat; And They Were Affraid
Peter Walks Upon The Water
JOHN 6:16-21
“Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.
“John 6:16-21 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.6.16-21.NKJ
Like Jesus disciples, we often start a journey or project without having Jesus on board; and just like them, we find ourselves in stormy waters.
When we find ourselves in trouble, we become fearful, and we quickly loose our peace.
If only we had Jesus on board from the beginning, we may not of faced the storm at all.
Even though the disciples chose to go ahead without Jesus, He was there for them. In deed He walked on the stormy water to be with them; He said, "Don't be afraid, I am here!" The disciples were eager to get Him on board, and as soon as they did, they immediately arrived at their destination.
They needed a miracle and they got one.
Maybe you have started a project or journey without Jesus on board, and you have found yourself in a desperate situation and in need of some supernatural help.
Whatever difficult situation you have got yourself into, call upon the name of Jesus, for He is faithful to rescue you, even when you went ahead without him, or got involved in something that is wrong.
Jesus wants to help you, and He is faithful to do just that, just as soon as you submit to His will and put your trust in Him.
He doesn’t take away free will, so He will stand back whilst you do your own thing.
But immediately you submit to His way, He will step in; maybe not the way you had hoped for, but He will bring the miracle you need.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
I Peter 5:6-7 NKJV
“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.””
Matthew 14:22-33 NKJV
The story of Jesus walking on water, demonstrates His divinity and authority over nature.
After sending his disciples ahead by boat, Jesus comes to them during a storm, inviting Peter to walk on the stormy water.
Whilst focused on Jesus, he was able to rise above the storm and walk upon the waters, but when hearing the noise, fear came in and Peter sinks because his focus became the storm instead of Jesus, highlighting that faith requires continuous focus on Christ to overcome fear.
Jesus instructs the disciples to go ahead while he prays alone, demonstrating two points, sometimes He sends us into the storm alone, and the priority of prayer.
When tested, like the teacher in a school classroom, Jesus doesn't intervene unless it is absolutely necessary. However, He doesn't test us more than we can stand (JAMES 1:13-15), and is always in arms reach to calm the storm.
The disciples are "battered by the waves" and wind, representing the trials of life.
The Supernatural Appearance of Jesus walking on the water in the "fourth watch of the night" (3-6 a.m.), showcases His control over chaotic forces.
He comforts them, saying, "Take heart; it is I; do not be afraid," using the divine "I AM" phrase.
Peter takes a bold step of faith to walk on the water, and succeeds for a time, but "notices the strong wind" and fear causes him to lose focus and sink.
Jesus rescues him, asking, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?".
Upon entering the boat, the wind ceases, leading the disciples to worship Jesus as "the Son of God".
When focused on Jesus, just like Peter, you can literally walk upon the stormy waters in your life. But it is encouraging to know that if like Peter, the noise of the storm becomes too overwhelming and the fear comes in and you start to sink, Jesus is always there, close enough to take your hand and lead you to safety and then calm the storm (MATHEW 14:30-33).
Fear, is the opposite of faith, like hot is the opposite of cold and is sourced from unbelief.
In another situation, the disciples failed to cast out a demon. Then they came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.“
Matthew 17:19-20 NKJV
But in this situation, unbelief wasn’t the only issue, and He went on to say, ”However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”“
Matthew 17:21 NKJV
In some situations, prayer and fasting is necessary to break the hold of the devil.
Prayer, on its it’s own is powerful, but combined with fasting, it becomes a weapon of mass destruction against the enemy.
Therefore, sensibly fast regularly, not for personal gain, nor to lose weight, but as a sacrificial offering to God, remove the unbelief, and “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
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God bless you all.
