Guest Writer: Clayton G'Schwind
"Walking on Water"
One of my favorite stories of the Bible takes place in Matthew 14:22-33. You may have heard of it because it was one of the most famous miracles that Christ performed. Not only does it show God’s divine power, but it speaks of our faith, or lack thereof. I always feel convicted and renewed after reading it.
Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. After dismissing the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone. But the boat was already over a mile from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. Around three in the morning, He came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear.
Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s You,” Peter answered Him, “command me to come to You on the water.” “Come!” He said.
And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those in the boat worshiped Him and said, “Truly You are the Son of God!”
Before Jesus walked out across the water I think it’s important to point out that Jesus spent time with His father alone to pray. There are several more times throughout the New Testament where He does this. I think it often goes unnoticed in stories like this, but is extremely important. Our personal time with God is so valuable, not only to us, but to God too. It’s how we speak to Him and how he speaks to us. It’s what builds our relationship with Him. It’s so important that even Jesus made it a priority to go and spend alone time with Him.
I think we all have been in the shoes of Peter at some point in our lives. Asking God to guide us, yet being afraid of where he will take us. We may have the courage to step out of the boat, to go where God is calling us, but once we’re out there we find ourselves drowning in our own fears and anxieties. The storm seems so powerful that we doubt if God can save us. We take our eyes off of Jesus and focus only on the waves crashing down around us.
Although Peter’s faith wavered for a moment when he felt himself sinking, his first instinct was to cry out “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reach out and grabbed him. How often is that my first instinct? Do I immediately turn to God for help, or do I flounder in the water for a while, trying to use my own strength to swim out?
When Jesus says, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” I feel conviction course through my veins. Our God is so powerful, so faithful, yet we doubt Him time and time again. Our human nature causes us to fall short in our faith. No matter how long we have known Jesus, no matter how many times we’ve read the Bible or how often we pray, every one of us is going to have moments of doubt. We’re going to find ourselves seemingly alone in the middle of a storm and sinking rapidly. Instead of focusing on the strength of the wind and the size of the waves, our eyes should turn to the Lord. He’s always right there, just waiting for us to call his name.
Knowing that no matter what we fear or worry about, Christ is there to immediately pick us up, even though we took our eyes off Him. Even though we questioned His divine power. How little faith we have when things get complicated. I know I have been there more times than I care to count. It’s comforting to read this and remind myself that if God calls you to it, He will bring you through it. (Sometimes he has to drag me like a calf to the fire!) Those hardships and courageous moments of following Christ are what builds our faith (Romans 5:3-5). It is in those times that we must lean on Him, worship Him, and not look down, because truly He is the Son of God.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for all that you do. Lord I ask that you be with me as I struggle with my earthly flesh and mind that I may not lean on my own understanding but on yours. I ask Lord that you give me the strength, courage, and wisdom to be of great faith and not of little. I know Lord that you are a strong and merciful God. Help me see that during the trials of this life and keep my focus on Christ. I pray this in Your Sons Holy Name. Amen.
Clayton G’Schwind is a husband, father and central Nebraska rancher. Clayton married Meghan (Proctor) of Lusk in 2020 and met Brenna through Meghan. Spending his time with family and God’s creation has driven his passion for cattle and horses. Morning Bible time and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ strengthen his love for Christ. Outside of the business he enjoys trapping, hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors with his family.