Episode Transcript  

One

The Storm

The miracles of Jesus are astounding, but usually we see Him performing them on His own. Yes, He gave His disciples the authority to heal and cast out demons, but that action happens off-stage, as it were. But in the case of one of Jesus’ most remarkable miracles, walking on the water in the middle of the storm, there was one apostle who performed that miracle with Him.

 Peter said, “Lord, tell me to come to you on the water.” And Jesus said, “Come.” And Peter, this totally regular guy, good-hearted, but with some issues, actually began to walk on the water.

If you focus on what Jesus asks you to do, you can do the impossible, no matter what storm is raging. 

Two

Initial Trust

It was an incredible act of trust that enabled Peter to get out of the boat. He thought to himself, if Jesus told him that he could walk on water, then that was good enough for him. He’d give it a try, never mind the awful death by drowning in the middle of a storm at sea.

Peter believed, “If Jesus tells me to walk on water, that means I can do it.” And Jesus tells us the same thing in every command He gives…“Be perfect as my heavenly Father is perfect.” - “Love God with your whole heart and soul and mind.” - “Love your enemies, do good to those who persecute you.” 

So, it’s time to stop saying that we’re not saints, that we don’t have what it takes. That nobody’s perfect. Jesus has told us to do this stuff. That means we can do it. So, it’s time to trust Jesus, forget about the storm, and start walking in the direction Christ has called us.

Three

The Storm – what’s happening all around you

Now what is it, exactly, that messes Peter up? Why does he start to sink there, out in the middle of the water, out in the middle of the storm? He was walking, then suddenly, he was sinking. One moment, the water was solid beneath his feet; the next, it gave way completely."

Peter got distracted by the storm, the unsolvable mess all around him. He forgot what Christ told him to do. He began to rely on his weak human ability alone. He focused on what he could not do: walk on water. He stopped trusting in the divine power of Jesus, and he sank.

So look, are you spending your time focused on what Jesus asked you to do and relying on Jesus to give you His power to do it, or are you focused on the chaotic storms that are howling all around you? Are you spending a lot of time focused on the evil in the world, the chaos in politics, the scandals in the Church? Are you spending a lot of time looking at the dysfunction in your family? Or even the mess within yourself?

Then let me tell you, if you are spending a big chunk of time focused on the storm, instead of keeping your focus on Christ and what He’s asking you to do, you are going to start sinking.

Four

What’s Your Trajectory/Goal

Remember what we’re on this earth to do. We’re not down here to worry about the political, or economic, or ecclesial storms that blow here or there, this way or that. We’re not down here to wring our hands about every up and down our family members or friends experience. Our primary focus is not even on the storm or mess that is inside of us. We are here to get closer to Christ. That is what our life is for.

He has called us to come to Him. And so, we are supposed to come to Him. And we can do that in any weather, stormy or calm. It doesn’t matter what the winds of change are doing in the world or even within us. We can keep walking toward Christ, progressing in prayer, virtue, and holiness. Trust Jesus, forget about the storm, and just do what He told you to do!

Five

Refocus on Christ

Peter stepped out of the boat because He trusted Christ. He knew he could count on Christ. But then he took his eyes off Christ and focused on the storm and his own weakness, and he got distracted. If that starts happening to you, if you start to panic, or get overwhelmed, or angry, or down, then do what Peter did. Cry out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!”

Remember this: Temptation is experienced as a storm, but it is just a distraction from Jesus and what Jesus wants you to do. When temptation strikes, keep your eyes on Jesus by prayer, then do what he told you to do. Do not pay attention to the storm. It’s just a distraction, nothing more. If we focus on what Jesus told us to do, we can do the impossible; we can walk on water. Fix your gaze on Jesus, trust Him, and do what He told you to do, and the storm will pass, and you will have peace. 

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