Peter, the disciple that was foolishly bold in his decisions, was undeserving of the grace of God. When Jesus, the One who Peter claimed to adore and follow, was being sentenced to death on a cross. He denied that he knew Jesus three times within the span of a single night. Peter had sacrificed his entire life to follow Jesus and learn more about the One who had come to save the human race, denied the Kingdom in the blink of an eye when the pressure increased.
It’s easy to look down on Peter. It’s easy to think 'How could he turn his back on Jesus after seeing first hand the miraculous ways He moved and after being immersed in the very presence of the Son of God?!'
But here’s the thing, you and I have more in common with Peter than we may think. Like Peter, we have seen the works of Jesus, and still have turned our backs on Him at some point, thinking we know better. We like Peter, have chosen what’s comfortable rather than following the Truth. We too have followed our sinful human desires away from the only One who saves.
Luckily, like Peter, our story is not defined by the many ways and times we have messed it all up.
Peter, the disciple who was foolishly bold, was undeserving of the grace of God, but that’s why it’s called grace. Grace is defined as is God giving us something we do not deserve. When Jesus came to the disciples’ boat during a storm by walking on water, Peter was the one who had the courage to get out of the boat and walk on water. But once the wind and the waves increased Peter was afraid and lost his focus on Jesus and began to plummet down in the water. Jesus showed Peter grace, and saved him from drowning. Peter was the one who was always quick to comply with Jesus’ requests because he trusted in the Lord’s goodness. Peter, he was indeed foolishly bold at times, but he was bold nonetheless. Peter was unafraid of consequences. Peter, who despite his mistakes, was used by God to bring thousands to come to know the One who saves. Peter chose to stand in the grace of God instead of dwelling in the guilt and shame of his sinfulness.
In my opinion, our generation can learn a lot from Peter. It’s time for us to follow his lead and get out of the boat, accepting the grace that we are so fortunately given, by no means do we deserve it. Walk on water and trust in God’s grace, goodness,and mercy. It’s time for us to step out in boldness with our faith, knowing that “what He has promised, He is able also to perform.” (Romans 4:21) God promises life. He promises to “draw near to you when you draw near to Him.” (James 4:8) He promises that just “as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9) He promises to go before you and be your guide throughout every trial, decision, hardship, and mistake.
God’s plan for you is more than you could ever imagine for yourself; get out of the boat and walk on water; trust in His goodness, faithfulness, love, hope, and joy. He will extend His hand of grace to you when the waves rise.
