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Waves Stepping out in faith by Lindsay Kyle I often find myself with Peter. Sun-burnt skin, aching feet, parched mouth and crouching against the side of the little boat. Scripture describes the boat as "beaten by waves," (Matthew 14:24) and I imagine Peter clinging desperately and pressing forward against the stormy sea. I am there, grasping the mast, eyes scanning the horizon, praying for morning to break. What all had Peter seen so far? He'd abandoned his fishing nets to follow Jesus, this strangely knowing teacher who speaks in words hard to understand. This peculiar man who feeds the masses, heals withered hands and bodies, and somehow sees into the depths of Peter's own heart. And tonight, as Peter holds fast to a sinking ship, I'm sure he wonders why Jesus asked them to go ahead without him. I'm certain he questions why they had been abandoned. I question. Here, as I ride the violent torrents in my own life. "And in the fourth watch of the night, He came to them, walking on the sea." (Matthew 14:25) Amidst the crashing waves, the boat surging to and fro against the merciless wind, Jesus quietly walks toward them. He tells them not to be frightened. He tells them everything will be okay now. And Peter, so much like me, questions. "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." "Come." The One who once said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," (Matthew 11:28) beckons to Peter with hand stretched out. I imagine that first step — his dirty and unkempt feet touch the murky, cold water. Yet, he could stand without sinking, eyes on the Cure to all his ailments of body and soul. Suddenly the ground isn't solid anymore. I understand this part — when Peter sees the waves around him and cannot bear the worry. And as the water threatens to swallow him whole, he cries out: "Lord, save me." Jesus did not hesitate to lovingly reach out and pull him from the depths. But instead of whispering gentle words of encouragement and pride for the courage it took to even try, Jesus' response to Peter is as harsh as the stormy skies. "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" I know so little about God. Sometimes, I'm not even sure I know myself. Yet, Jesus calls to me, asking me to believe based on what is true. He loves me. He will not call me to walk upon the waves only to meet a watery end. I must believe and not give way to fear.