Matthew 14:23-34 KJV
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

Matthew is the only Gospels that records Peter attempt to duplicate Jesus by walking on water. Perhaps the disciple doubted the event. Why would there be any doubt. It simple really today with modern boogie boards/surf boards, a man can appear to move across the water. Observation is lacking sometimes in events, so there will always be skeptics about this water event. No doubt a log, a flat board or some sort, and stones in the water way, could easily describe Jesus ability to walk on water, until you get to Matthew. See Matthew the only one that records Peter's big step of faith that almost drowns him. Matthew records Peter as walking and then beginning to sink. Not just stepping off the boat and nearly drowning, because of the waves. The fact that he either can not see what lays ahead or he clearly walking on water for a moment, and yet Jesus is clear that Peter must keep his eyes on him to be able to walk on water. What if it was only a small tight rope of rocks, would be then possible. Yet there is a problem each of the stories record before hand the feeding of the five thousand with only a few fish and few loaves of bread. One miracle already done. Was the story of the feeding of the five thousand like the story of stone soup, where eventually every neighbor added something to the pot and so there was enough food to feed everyone. We do not truly know. If we believe it just as it is written Jesus took the five loaves and broke them and there was enough to feed the people and breaking of the fish there was enough to feed them. Some might even question how big were those two fish. Yet we see something more events coming of great miracles much like the time of Moses, this would cause great number of people to follow Jesus, even leaving their work to see who this Jesus was. The walking of water can it be taken at face value only with faith.

The other two Gospel record the storm, the walking of Jesus on the water and entering the ship. The Gospel of John records Jesus as being on shore and seeing the ship, so some type of rock dock is possible except Peter nearly drowns when looking away from Jesus. Meaning he would of had a foot hold in the water on a rock in order for it not to be a miracle, yet he did not look straight ahead and perhaps staggard as a person would if on a ship for a long period of time in those days on a small ship. No I think not. I think this is a miracle of faith. However Jesus would of known the shoreline perhaps and if there was at any point one could walk across on rocks. If rocky area, it would mean the ship would be better to wait til light to come to shore. All these things would need to be taken into factor. Yet something happens, Peter is a well trained fisherman, so walking on shore or land should not of phased him. He is clearly not on a board, but if he was the high waves should not of shaken him, with his skills at sea, after all he was use to small fishing vessels. Peter's first step out on truly what is wet sea and he does not sink, and his eyes are still on Jesus, until the moment the first wave comes and he begins to sink him, because his gaze is moved to the waves around him. And Peter, this sailor man, cries out and says Lord save me. For the love of Peter no one else record's Peter's most embrassing moment as Jesus takes him by the hand and lifts him up and they enter the ship.

Our need of Christ to keep focus on our redeemer is clear. We often see the storms but our focus is short lived. We know the one that can ride on top of the water, but often we sink to almost drowning. We fight the waves without looking up, failing to see our redemption right in front of us. That if our focus is on Jesus Christ we well walk through the storm, He may even calm the waters, but our focus needs to be on him. Where does the believers help come from when anything humanly possible will not prevail, where anything bigger then our ability comes crashing around us. Our hope and our faith must rest in Jesus. When I was hit by locomotive, name of Jesus went through my head, and in my mind Psalm 23 came to mind as the crashing the engine came against my car. This month it be thirty-two years since my wreck and I have seen many storms since that time and yet I can say two things that it does not get easier to stay focus on Jesus, it has to be a mind set and no one does it perfectly. We all crash with the waves at times. Don't be embrassed if Jesus as to pick you up. That why he came to save us to lift us up to bring all others to him. He came to save us in our storms, to give us focus so we can live for him. To do the right thing even in times of trouble and anger.

Countdown to Thanksgiving: Day 14 Thank for the miracle works of faith, not of unbelief and doubt. Thank you for demonstrating your miracles through your Son that we may stand in the storm and look to Jesus.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Son who if we look to Jesus will lift us up if we drowning, calm our storm, and give us hope as we focus on his redemption into eternity. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: Mark 6:46-52 KJV
46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

John 6:17-21 KJV
17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
21 Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.