Immediately Jesus told his followers to get into the boat and go ahead of him across the lake. He stayed there to send the people home. After he had sent them away, he went by himself up into the hills to pray. It was late, and Jesus was there alone. By this time, the boat was already far away from land. It was being hit by waves, because the wind was blowing against it. Between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the water. When his followers saw him walking on the water, they were afraid. They said, “It’s a ghost!” and cried out in fear.

But Jesus quickly spoke to them, “Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Peter said, “Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water.”

Jesus said, “Come.”

And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus said, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?”

After they got into the boat, the wind became calm. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “Truly you are the Son of God!” Matthew 14:22-32

We ask for God to show his power. We ask him to show himself in our lives. We want to experience him. Yet when we do, we often doubt it’s him. We want proof. We want to make sure the presence of God is actually the presence of God, so we test and ask and plead.

Jesus did what no one could do. He revealed himself to followers. Instead of being amazed, they were afraid. Jesus comforted them with words, assuring them he was Jesus. Peter tested him. Jesus was certainly patient, doing what Peter requested. Peter apparently didn’t doubt for long, because when he became afraid and began to sink, he immediately called out to Jesus. He needed someone to save him and trusted Jesus to be that someone. Once the water had calmed, everyone in the boat finally acknowledged the presence and power of Jesus. Well, it’s about time!

It’s easy for us to read this account of Jesus and his followers and wonder what took them so long, but there are similar situations in our lives. When have you questioned, doubted, or ignored God’s power or presence?

Live It. God doesn’t have to show up in monumental ways in order to reveal his power or show his presence. He’s present and powerful in the daily. Watch for him today and jot a note each time you experience him.