Lord, if it You... COMMAND me to come to You on water...

Matthew 14:22-33 (NASB):

"22 Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

28 Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”"

Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid. 

Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You...

Matthew records such an impactful conversation between Jesus and His disciples - particularly, Peter. This reminded me of a similar sort of conversation that took place in the Old Testament, prior to another water incident (i.e. the parting of the red sea).

Exodus 3:13-14 (NASB):

"13 Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”"

God's revelation of His identity to Israel - and thus Israel's identity as His chosen people - was a call for Israel to put its faith in Him. It was the great I AM who would deliver Israel out of their Egyptian captivity.

Lord, if it is You, we shall not be afraid. Command us to come to You on the water, through the wind and across the sea. For if it is Your command, You will empower us to do the most impossible things and to go beyond our wildest dreams. Your word never returns to you void, but accomplishes that which You purposed. So... if it is "Come", we shall go - and will make it there - for You will deliver us safely through the turmoil of turmoils.