10 August 2026

Peter  and his friends are  trapped in the boat in the midst of a storm. The wind is against them. The boat is in difficulties. What is going to happen next? Jesus sees the troubled boat and comes walking on the water. ‘Take heart, it is I: do not be afraid.’ he says.

When Peter asks to walk on the water too. ‘Come!’ says Jesus. Peter steps out and starts walking on the water. But when he feels the strong wind and sees its effect upon the water, he becomes frightened. He loses faith. He begins to sink. Quite naturally, he prays, ‘Lord, save me!’

There are two encouraging insights. Firstly, those who are called to participate in the leadership of the church at whatever level need not be discouraged for long if they doubt the power of God to save, heal, help, build, renew. It was true of Peter upon whom Christ built his church. It’s true of us too!

Secondly, the true nature of our discipleship is not to be found in a perfect life but a life which is humble enough to acknowledge imperfections. Nor is it found in an unquestioning faith but in a faith which is honest enough to acknowledge life’s difficulties, uncertainties and unanswered questions.

The most attractive aspect of this story is the point at which Peter steps out in response to the command, ‘Come!’ and begins to sink in response to the sight and sound of the strong wind. This is a moment of revelation.  Here we find the nature of a true but imperfect discipleship.

Here we experience the tension between faith and doubt, certainty and uncertainty, success and failure, life and death. Above all, we discover the unique characteristics of our relationship with God. At this point of life and death it has become very real.