There’s something about getting out in a kayak and paddling around the lake, connecting with nature and, as happened for us yesterday, pitting yourselves against the wind and waves. If you focus on your destination and reach it, there is such delight and happiness.
On 2 occasions Peter was in a boat out on the lake and Jesus appeared to him.
On the first occasion, the disciples were caught at night in a strong wind on the lake when they saw Jesus walking to them on the water. Peter asked if the apparition was Jesus and Jesus confirmed it was and asked Peter to come. Without hesitation Peter leapt out of the boat and started walking on the water towards Jesus. It was only when he looked down that he started to sink into the waves.
On the second occasion, after Peter had recently denied Jesus, the disciples saw Jesus on the shore. After a night toiling they hadn’t caught any fish yet Jesus invited them to try the “other side” of the boat and they were inundated with fish.
Peter, instead of cowering in shame and guilt, jumped out of the boat and swam towards Jesus. Peter had a transparency and vulnerability in front of Jesus and in return, Jesus had extended the passionate and impulsive Peter grace, compassion and even a commissioning.
Jesus offered Peter not only a destination but taught him about the only resources that he would need to reach that destination. Jesus had asked Peter to have complete and utter faith in Him despite what his senses were telling him. It is our unwavering faith and focus on Jesus alone that enables us to overcome all the wind and waves of life: all the fears, insecurities and failures that the Enemy reminds us of, so that, like Peter we can fulfil His calling on our lives and be witnesses about Him to the ends of the earth.
If we can shed our dependence on the things of this world and put our faith in Jesus alone, then we can walk in all the power and authority that Jesus has left for us and arrive at our final destination with joy and gladness.
“One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveller’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes” (Luke 9:1-3 NLT).