Walking on Water–Three Keys for Walking by Faith

The following is an excerpt from my book Abiding in the Vine that shares three keys for walking by faith.

As Christians, we are called to walk by faith. In fact the Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God (see Hebrews 11:6). The story of Peter getting out of the boat and walking on water is one of the most incredible illustrations of this faith walk.

Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:25-31)

God will often call us to “get out of the boat” and walk by faith into unknown territories or new assignments that He has for us. He does not typically lay out all of the details up front. But if He calls us to step out, then we must go, trusting that we will not sink. But faith is not blind as some think it to be. Faith is a substance (see Hebrews 11:1) and it is based on seeing God’s realities more than our present natural circumstances. Below are three keys to “walking on water” that will help you grow in faith.

1.) Faith comes by knowing Jesus.

Peter said, “Lord if it is you, command me to come…” Because of Peter’s relationship with Jesus, he knew that he could trust Him. The more that we grow in intimacy with the Lord, the more we will be able to walk by faith and trust in Him, even when circumstances do not look good.

2.) Faith comes by hearing the Word.

Peter needed a word from Jesus to get him out of the boat. Jesus said “Come” and it gave Peter faith to step out. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” When God speaks, it imparts faith for us to step out into the things that He is calling us to do. We will grow in faith as we cultivate an ear for hearing His voice.

3. Faith is sustained by fixing our eyes on Jesus.

The mistake that Peter made was to take his eyes off of Jesus and look to the wind and the waves that were around him. This is the same error that we often fall into. We take our eyes off of the Lord and look instead to our seemingly impossible circumstances. If we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will not be hindered by the “wind and the waves.” We are exhorted in the Scriptures to look unto Jesus, the “author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

Again, faith is not blind. It is based on seeing and hearing spiritual realities that are superior to natural ones. It is based on God’s Word. It is based on knowing Him and growing in intimacy with Him, and it is sustained as we keep our eyes fixed on Him.

What is God calling you to do? In what way is He asking you to get out of the boat and walk on water? Listen for His voice, and when He calls, step out!

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Abiding in the Vine is a collection of 40 devotional writings that are meant to feed your spirit and draw you closer to God. Rich with the Word of God and insights into the Spirit-filled life, each reflection will bring understanding and encouragement, as well as challenge you to go deeper in your walk with Christ.