By Tommy Zukoski
We were out on Burt Lake, the boat cutting smoothly through the clear waters under the captainship of my father-in-law. Lisa sat beside me, her eyes reflecting the joy of being surrounded by family. All my kids were there, their laughter carried on the breeze, while my mother-in-law beamed with the delight of the moment. The lake stretched out around us, calm yet powerful, a reminder of God’s vastness and creativity.
As I soaked in the beauty of the day, a thought stirred in my heart, taking me back to the story of Peter walking on water. There were twelve disciples in the boat that night, but only one stepped out onto the waves. It wasn’t Peter’s own strength or ability that allowed him to do the impossible—it was the power of one word from Jesus.
The Power of One Word
The scene in Matthew 14:28-29 came alive in my mind. Peter, seeing Jesus walking on the water, called out, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus responded with a single, simple word: “Come.”
In that moment, Peter stepped out of the boat and began walking on the water. He wasn’t walking on the waves; he was walking on the word. It was the power in Jesus’s command that made the impossible possible.
As I looked out at Burt Lake, I thought about how one word from God still carries that same power today. Isaiah 55:11 reminds us, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Whether it’s healing, provision, restoration, or purpose, everything begins with hearing and believing God’s word. One word from Him is enough to accomplish whatever miracle we need.
Faith to Leave the Boat
The boat represents safety, comfort, and control. For the other disciples, staying in the boat was the natural choice. But Peter, moved by faith, stepped out into the unknown.
Most people are afraid of leaving the security of their boat. The fear of failure, uncertainty, or the unknown keeps them tethered to what feels safe. But getting out of the boat put Peter in a position to experience the miraculous.
On Burt Lake, watching my father-in-law skillfully navigate the waters, I thought about the courage it takes to trust God fully. Like Peter, we’re often called to step into situations that defy logic. To be a water walker, you have to get out of the boat.
The Challenges of the Waves
Peter’s walk on the water wasn’t without challenges. When he saw the wind and the waves, he began to sink. But even in his moment of doubt, Jesus was there, reaching out and lifting him up.
This is a reminder that stepping out in faith doesn’t mean we won’t face obstacles. The waves may rise, and the winds may howl, but Jesus is always there to catch us. Psalm 46:1 assures us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Teaching My Kids to Trust the Word
As I watched my kids on the boat, I thought about the lessons I want to pass on to them. I want them to know that their security doesn’t come from the boat, but from the One who calls them out onto the water. I want them to understand that faith isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about trusting the Word of God, even when the path seems uncertain.
Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” This is the truth I want my children to carry with them as they face the challenges and opportunities of life.
Application: Becoming a Water Walker
Listen for the Word: Miracles begin with a word from God. Spend time in prayer and the Word, seeking His direction for your life.
Step Out in Faith: When God speaks, respond with boldness. Don’t let fear keep you in the boat.
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus: Like Peter, focus on Jesus, not the waves. Trust Him to sustain you, even when challenges arise.
Teach Others to Trust: Share the lessons of faith with those around you. Encourage them to step out and trust God’s promises.
Walking on the Word
As we cruised across Burt Lake that day, surrounded by the love of family and the beauty of God’s creation, I felt a renewed conviction: one word from God is enough to accomplish the impossible. Whether it’s stepping into a new opportunity, overcoming a challenge, or trusting Him with the unknown, faith begins with hearing His voice and stepping out in obedience.
Like Peter, we are called to be water walkers—not because of our own strength, but because of the power of His Word. The question is, will we trust Him enough to get out of the boat?
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