Peter exhibited great faith when he stepped out on the water. But then he allowed his immediate surroundings to hinder his walk.

Peter’s faith began with a tremendous bold step, but it required a level of focus that he wasn’t used to.

Follow through.

That was the problem. Those pesky waves, and the way he usually thought about and experienced water—not something that generally supports your feet.

We all know what Peter should have done. Keep his eyes on the Lord, not the waves! That’s easy for us to say.

But how many of us have ever stepped out of the boat? I didn’t notice any of the other disciples playing follow the leader with Peter.

I see two things from this.

First, put a little adventure into your life; step out on the water. You might actually enjoy the exhilaration and really glorify God on the way.

And secondly, if and when you do, learn from Peter’s mistake.

Make sure you live life keeping your focus on the Lord, not on your own spiritual ambitions.

You can be totally confident the waves will come once you’re out of the boat. But watching the Lord of Life walking there with you will give you the vision to follow through.

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Matthew 14:26-32

–by George Whitten