Today is the last in the series about discernment.  Though it is a personal experience, there are threads of the story that are common to all as we try to discern God’s leading in our lives.

     Jesus picks up Peter and together they continue to walk back to the boat through the wind and the waves.  Peter had little faith and cried out to the one who had commanded him to come on the water.  Jesus again then as they get into the boat reveals who he is by calming the wind and the waves.  How many times I have cried out in the storm when I am trying to follow Jesus and he encourages and causes my faith to grow by calming my life’s storms.  Not only is Peter encouraged, but when Jesus calms the storm and they see what Peter had been through with Jesus the disciples believe and worship Jesus as the son of God.  That has happened in my life as well, as others watch how I am walking by faith in the storm and how God provides for me in the situation.  My community believes and so do I.

     There are many parallels between my story and that of this one found in the gospels.  When I consider the differences, I have a relationship with Jesus that spans more than thirty years, Peter did not.  I have had time to deepen my faith in Jesus and understand him to be God.  At the time Peter did not, his expectations of the Messiah and of God certainly were different that that of mine.  My faith is perhaps built upon more that what Peter had at the time.  I have not just the Old and New Testament scriptures, but also the witness and testimony of the saints and believers throughout time, Including Peter’s testimony.  Obviously, our times and place are also different, but we have far more in common.  He made mistakes, Just as I continue to have lapses in my faith and make mistakes.  Peter continued to grow in his faith and love for Christ, just as I have.

     I relate very strongly to this story, as it was used to help move me from a place of being stuck and to encourage me to step out in faith.  God has done much in my life since those first steps out of the boat.  I continue to put one foot in front of the other and to walk by faith.  It is still about believing that Jesus is calling me and that I am coming towards him on the water and moving into what he would have me do at this time for him.  I still need to be attentive and open.  I still walk through the wind and the waves and when I doubt I cry out to the Lord and he reaches out and grabs me.  He picks me up and walks with me offering love and encouragement for the journey.

     Consider your experience of discernment, what parallels do you see?  How has God lead you on your journey?  Where do you need to step out of the boat?

Picture: Path to Relaxation by Muha