This picture reminds me of my younger brother Dave. We are only about a year and a half difference in age, but the difference between us is remarkable. He was always the adventurous one, first to do anything; try anything, while I have always been more laid-back and careful. I view this picture and somehow we are young again, playing on the swing set in the back yard. Dave is trying to see how high he can go and the legs of the swing-set are beginning to come out of the ground as he goes higher and higher... and then he lets go!!! Why? Because he can of course!!! Impetuous, daring, bold and perhaps a tad foolhardy are thoughts that come to mind. And those same thoughts happen when I think of the apostle Peter....
Matthew, Chapter 14
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”
28 Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”
29 He said, “Come!”
Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!”
28 Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”
29 He said, “Come!”
Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!”
Peter was always the first to speak up, to reach out, to do something (sort of like my brother Dave). But, Peter had a weak side, too; one that is shown when he saw the strength of the wind. His fear almost sunk him, but fortunately for him, Jesus was close-by!! I like Peter, because he always tried to do the right thing! Even though he didn't always succeed, he tried and that is the important thing. Peter had doubts, but continued to grow in faith. And the first step in that process is being willing to let go!!! Fear, doubt and mistrust need to be overcome and then growth can occur. Let go of the things that prevent you from growing spiritually and allow God to perform the miracle of growth in your life!!! Gary-- listen and learn-- YOU NEED TO LET GO!!!!