Why Tread Water When You Can Walk On It?

But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:24-31 (NKJV)

We are made to rise above circumstances and situations. We are not to be dominated by what is going on around us or even being done to us. Peter made the request to walk on water, and he didn’t do it in the midst of a nice, sunny, calm day. He did it when the waves were high and the winds were rough. It was a far-from-perfect situation. Yet, he stepped out and stayed on top of what was trying to take him under, until he looked at the circumstances.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (New Living Translation, NLT)

The problem with Peter was not a lack of willingness, but his ability to be distracted. When we keep our eyes on Jesus instead of what we’re going through, peace reigns supreme, and we can do what we are called to do. Peter started well, but he allowed himself to look around instead of continuing to focus on Jesus and Him alone.

You shall be above only, and not be beneath, Deuteronomy 28:13 (NKJV)

God’s intention is for us to be on top of the enemy. His plan is for us to dominate. We are subject to the Lord and Him alone. Since we are seated with Him, and He is seated in heavenly places far above all powers and principalities, we are too. We are to be on top. We are to be water walkers, not boat anchors.

Today, choose to dwell on Jesus and His power, peace, and love. Don’t waste time thinking about negative situations or problems. The more we think about something, the bigger it becomes to us. As Peter looked at the waves, I’m sure they looked larger and larger to him. And then he started to sink. The devil will try to distract us with problems, attacks, and worthless fears. We don’t have to fall for his tricks. We can stay on top of him and all he tries to do. We have the authority to walk all over him. Don’t just survive, but thrive. Instead of just treading water, look to the Lord and be a water walker