Faith for the Impossible
by Matt Corlett
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. (Matthew 14:25-32)
Sometimes we read Biblical accounts for years without actually experiencing them. But I got to experience this one early in life. And my “stepping out of the boat” experience actually involved water! When I was twelve, I was challenged to complete the mile swim, about 35 laps at our school’s pool. I had one little problem: I hadn’t successfully swum across the width of the pool, much less the whole length. And now I had to do the length of the pool over 70 times! Well, I could no more swim a mile than Peter could walk on water. But wait – he did!
The morning of the swim, I prayed perhaps the most sincere, desperate prayer of my life: “Jesus, HELP!!” And he did. In a world record (slowest!) of almost four hours, I side stroked my way up and down the pool. When I finished, I knew that I had just experienced a miracle. Just like Peter, as long as I focused on Jesus, I didn’t sink.
On that day – December 26, 1988 – God proved to me that the impossible can happen. Today, the certificate hangs in my house as a reminder that God will present us with the opportunity to do the impossible – and then empower us to meet the challenge.
What impossible dream has God put in front of you today? Do you fully trust in His ability to meet the challenge through you, or are you trying to impress Jesus with what you can do for Him? Be a Peter and do what can’t be done!
Matt Corlett is on staff at the Vineyard as our Director of Body Life. He and his family have been part of our fellowship since 2005. They also recently added a second child to their family. Matt and his wife, Cheralyn, lead the Bonnie Ridge Home Group, which meets on the first and third Thursday of each month.
