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STAY IN THE SHIP The standard preaching on Matthew 14:22-33 goes something like this: "Notice, brethren, how that Peter was the only one with enough faith to step out and trust Jesus. And Jesus honored this faith by allowing him to take a few steps on the water. It wasn't until Peter took his eyes off Jesus that he began to sink." Although that angle might have some merit, I believe the greater point is almost always overlooked. The original command was not to walk on water, but rather to get into the ship and go to the other side (vs. 22: "And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side . . ."). Jesus knew full well that the storm was coming when He gave this command, so the whole episode was a test to see if they would have faith to remain in the ship and ride out the storm. Peter didn't, so he was the only one to end up all wet. When he got back in the ship, the wind ceased (vs 32) and they went on to the other side, which was the original command and the will of God. Moral: God isn't looking for heroes and spotlight Christians. He's looking for faithfulness and obedience to His words (I Sam. 15:22; I Cor. 4:2). THAT will get you through any storm that life might bring. Trying to walk on water will not.