One of my favourite bible stories is the one where Jesus’ friends are out in the boat at night on the Lake of Galilee and they see what they think is a ghost walking on the walk toward them. Understandably, they are terrified.
Then, Jesus, identifying himself, invites Peter at Peter’s request, to join him. Yes, that’s right, join him on the unstable, turbulent, stormy, liquid water. So Peter, hops out of the boat and walks toward Jesus. Don’t you just love Peter? It’s like he’s thinking, “Well, if he can do it, I can do it!” As long as he keeps his eyes on Jesus, commentators tell us, Peter is the man and the impossible happens. And then, “when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink.” (Matthew 14) Jesus immediately takes him by the hand and they climb into the boat, then Jesus says, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”
Does he mean, what got into you to get out of the boat in the first place, or what got into you to think to look down? Another translation, says, “what caused you to lose your nerve like that?” I take it to mean that getting out of the boat and doing what, in the logical and reasonable spheres of his mind made no sense was not the issue. The issue was fear of who he knew himself to be. Peter hadn’t walked on water before because he knew it was humanly impossible. It probably had never even entered his mind to try! He also had never met anyone like Jesus who frequently did things that were humanly impossible. Jesus was no ordinary man and so it makes sense that those who follow him are called to some pretty extraordinary things.
As for me, I’m with Peter. Reason governs my days and activities. There are times, though, when God calls me to step out of my boat and join him in doing the impossible. It’s a big sea of unknown depths and the waters are sure to be turbulent at times. I know who I am and wonder at being asked. At least, that’s how it feels from inside the boat. I am especially grateful for the adventure but more, for the voice of Jesus who will, no doubt, say to me, “Courage, little one. Don’t be afraid. It’s me who holds your hand and has called you to this.” Fear will sink me. Faith in God makes the impossible possible, by his grace and power.
