Most of us are familiar with the story of Peter walking on water. I’m sure I’ve heard it referenced a multitude of times over the course of my life. However, while making breakfast for the kids the other morning, I was feeling anxious and decided to listen to a podcast. I ended up selecting a BYUI devotional given by Carrie Valora titled “You Are A Success Story.” Although not the main focus of the talk, she mentioned the story of Peter leaving his boat, to walk to Christ on the water.
For reference, here are most of the verses referencing this story:
For the first time in my life however, it struck me that Peter was not certain it was Christ. It was not a question of whether or not Christ could walk on water. Or whether or not Peter believed he himself could walk on the water with Christ’s help. They were freaked out about this weird and unexpected sight they see on the water. You can imagine the crashing waters and the mist of backsplash, perhaps even a thick and foggy rain. It is difficult to distinguish Christ’s face, and it is hard to believe that a living breathing person that is one of their friends would be out in this water, in this storm, without the comfort and safety of a boat.
After Christ calls out and tells them not to worry, Peter says “Lord, if it be you, bid me to come on the water to meet you.” In fact, he has great faith in Christ. He is confident in Christ’s abilities and powers. He believes Christ can buoy him if it be his will. But he was uncertain as to whether or not this was TRULY Christ.
Peter had DOUBTS before even leaving the boat! Regardless of his doubts, he chose to act. He had faith that if it was the Lord, He would help him. I am reminded of the scripture that references a father pleading “Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief” (Mark 9:23-24) I am reminded of the Brother of Jared coming up with a plan to give his people light inside the dark boats. He came up with a plan, and believed the Lord would help him (Ether 3).
Peter acknowledges his doubt, and formulates a plan by which his doubts could be assured. He communicated to Christ exactly how his doubts could be relieved. He informed the Lord that he was willing to act, willing to do his part, willing to step blindly despite his doubts. Willing to step out of his comfort zone to be with Christ. And the Lord offers him the chance to learn, to gain testimony of who He was by saying “Come.”
And then, despite his doubts, despite his fears, despite being uncertain, he steps into the water. He gains testimony that this man on the water truly was his friend, Jesus Christ. Perhaps it is meaningful to remember that Peter had not yet reached Christ when his confidence began to falter. Not yet in his comforting presence and embrace, journey not yet done. Akin perhaps to the story of Lehi’s dream (1 Nephi 8), in which the people must hold to the rod to find their way to the tree of life. And those that let go fall victim to the mists of darkness, deep rivers, and the discouraging voices of those mocking those holding onto the rod. Peter let his fear of his surroundings distract him from his destination (which was Christ). It was then that he began to sink. And only through this trial of his faith was he able to not only gain a testimony that it was Jesus on the water, but also that it is only by Christ that we may be saved.
But before he could gain that testimony, he had to first choose to act in a manner of faith, despite his doubts. Of course, I think Christ hopes that we will liken these stories to ourselves and that we will remember that despite our surroundings, despite our circumstances, despite our fears and trials, if we will but focus on Him as our destination, that we will land in his comforting embrace, despite the bumps, cliffs and trials along the way. And of course, that Christ will reach out to save us despite our failings, if we will but take that first step.
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