You’re in the middle of the storm. The winds are raging against you. You’re beaten by the waves. The angry sea looks like it just might swallow you whole. Maybe the storm has taken from you: your plans, your job, someone you love. Maybe it feels like there’s no hope. Maybe you just feel like giving up. Then, from the distance, a figure appears.
Sometimes when you’re in the middle of a storm, you don’t recognise hope. You might even be afraid of it at first. When Jesus appeared to the disciples they were terrified. They thought he was a ghost, come to add yet another burden in the midst of their trouble. Then, he spoke. “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Where is the voice of peace in your storm? Is it in the roaring thunder? Is it the still small voice you lean in to hear over the crashing waves? Are you ready to listen? This first step to walking on water is crucial. When you’re overwhelmed and your mind is filled with worries over what seems to be a hopeless situation, are you willing to quiet your own thoughts and recognise the voice of the God of peace?
God speaks in many ways. He has spoken through a burning bush, through nature, and through miracles. He has spoken loudly and clearly and He has spoken quietly and reassuringly. He is always speaking, in every moment and circumstance, and He wants to speak to you. And no matter the storm, no matter how far you may feel from Him, you can hear His voice. Hearing God’s voice is rooted in relationship. When you’re restless, afraid, overjoyed, lost, talk to Him. Get to know Him through reading the Word, and don’t forget to be still. Sometimes you need to quiet your mind, put your worries to the side, sit in silence, and let Him speak. Learn how you hear the voice of God. It could be a clear voice in your head. It could be a sense of peace over a decision. God does not change or contradict Himself, so you can always go back to the Word for reassurance.
Once you’ve heard the voice of God, how will you respond to what He’s spoken to you? Maybe you’ve been asking God for direction or to tell you which way to go. Maybe you’re desperate to know “Is this really the right choice?” “Are you really in this?” If He said yes, if He told you to go, would you do it? Maybe that sense of peace or that still small voice is telling you that this is your chance to take a deep breath, let go of the solid, comfortable world around you, and step into the waves.
The thing is, you don’t have to get off of the boat. God has given you the free will to say yes to what He’s offering you. You could decide to wait because “if it’s meant to be, it will happen,” or because things aren’t actually too bad on this boat after all, but if you don’t decide to take that step of faith, you’re saying no to an opportunity to experience a miracle.
You might not have all of the world’s assurances that you won’t sink straight to the bottom the second your feet touch the water. Maybe you don’t have the finances or the strength or the time. But your Saviour is standing there, right there in the midst of it all, reaching out His hand. Even if you doubt and start to sink after that first step, Jesus won’t let you fall. He’s right there, the only assurance that will never fail, waiting to give you the chance to walk on water.
Storms of life come. It doesn’t mean that you aren’t trying hard enough or that you’re too far from God. The thing about the choice Jesus is offering you is that His love is never on the line. Whether you put your feet on the waves or stay on solid ground, you will remain deeply and unconditionally loved. Maybe you feel like you’re lost, out of strength, or filled with doubt. It’s okay to be where you’re at and to feel what you’re feeling. You can be honest with yourself and with God about where you are. The Psalms are full of laments of hardship and loss, and crying out to God in the middle of a storm. You don’t need to have it all together to take that first step. Even Peter who physically walked alongside Jesus had a moment of doubt after he stepped onto the waves. Ask God for what you need to take that first step. If you miss this opportunity, He will still be there, right where you are: loving, steadfast, and kind.
Whatever decision or opportunity you may be wrestling with, don’t let the fear of the storm or the unknown stop you from a chance to experience something incredible God has put in front of you. In the middle of a pandemic or financial trouble or loss, hold onto the assurance that Jesus is with you and He is good. And when he says “Come,” take the step, say yes to where He’s calling, and walk on water.
