Believe: 5 Days of Inspiration to Build Your FaithSample

Walking on Water

Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him. But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking.

—Matthew 14:29–30

I had the opportunity to visit the outside artistic exhibit Floating Piers at Lake Iseo in Italy. The artist, Christo, created huge walkways connecting the mainland to two islands. The floating piers were covered in bright orange fabric, as were the sidewalks on the island of Monte Isola.

The temporary exhibit lasted less than three weeks and was located near a small town in a fairly remote part of northern Italy, yet close to 1.5 million people came to see it.

The experience of walking on water was unique. I naturally thought of Jesus walking on water. Of course, He actually walked on water, while I walked on a series of interlocking plastic cubes covered in fabric—but it felt like I was walking on water.

I also thought about Peter. Matthew 14:29–30 says, “Come on!” Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him. But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

After Jesus rescued Peter, He asked him a simple but powerful question: Why do you doubt? (Matthew 14:31). There is plenty of doubting these days. Many events in our world can cause us to doubt. We wonder if hatred and violence are the norm. We question whether the polarization of our country can ever be changed.

At the Christo exhibit, I thought about what the artist was trying to communicate. The setting was a beautiful lake in the mountains with bright orange walkways glistening in the sun. The message was of connection and possibility.

A boundary that hinders connection can be overcome. The floating walkways were filled with people leaving the mainland to go to the island. The barrier of water had been conquered.

Racism can be defeated. People can connect despite their racial differences. I know this is true because I see it in our church. Loving others is what Christ followers are to do. We can lead the way in our country to show how different people understand and care for each other. Community can lead to unity. Unity is what will defeat partisanship.

If people can walk on water, then they can do anything. The possibilities are endless. What may seem impossible is in fact possible with God. Peter could have kept walking on water; all he had to do was believe it was possible.

Strong winds are blowing right now in our world, but Jesus is right here with us. Things may be scary and confusing, but there is the possibility for better days ahead.