There's a Third Choice

 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.  But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."  "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"  And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."  Matthew 14:25-33

What a wonderful story.  In just a few short verses, there are highs and lows, major action, a twist of fate, and a twist of faith.  I have heard sermons where Peter is both commended and faulted for his response to Jesus.  Yes, he took the step out of the boat, but yes, he doubted and feared.

I think this story reminds us that there are three choices in life.  The good way, the bad way, and God's way.  Just like with Peter - at first, it appears that Peter can do one of two things:  he can sink, or he can swim.  But then he sees, there's a third choice - he can walk!

The world will try to limit your options.  But God's options are so much higher than what the world can ever imagine.  With God's help, you can walk!!  Right on top of that water, on those waves, in that wind.  God doesn't need calm to bring peace.

Notice that the waves didn't diminish because Jesus was there.  They kept right on dancing and scaring the disciples to death!  I wonder what would have happened to Peter if he would have focused just on Jesus for one second more.  Just one.  Maybe that would have been enough for him to forget the waves and walk all the way to Jesus.

This is just like our lives today.  We can have God's peace despite the fact the storm still rages around us.  We don't have to choose between sinking or swimming.  We can soar!  The waves will still crash, the lightning still flash, the thunder still roar-but in the midst, there is peace. 


So in your storm, which choice will you make?  Will you sink, cowering in fear as the waves cover you?  Will you swim, depleting what little strength you have to try to get through this trial?  Or will you simply reach out your hand, and take the hand of the One who loves you, and walk?

Three choices.  Which one is yours today?