Walking the Walk

“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. - Matthew 14:29

He'd heard the talk.

Now it was time to walk the walk.

Treading a line hewn in both patched wood and solid rock.

Not moon or cake.

But old spirit and skepticism's wake.

Making Hell quake and trumpets shake.

Don't tell me that there's no hope.

At the end of your rope.

He did it for you.

He did it for me.

Upon the stormy sea.

As long as we have faith,

 are willing to step out

and not doubt,

... there's a reason to shout ...

Author's Note

"The smallest seed of faith is better than the largest fruit of happiness." - Thoreau

"An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day." - Thoreau

Reviews

[barleygirl]

WALKING is at the center of my faith. I hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon (for 1st time) when I was six . . . tons of great adventures starting then . . . and then later, not being able to walk in my 50's, learning how to walk again, & now hobbling & being thankful I'm not relegated to the wheelchair 24/7. This is how I walk (the little bit that I talk about my walk) & your poem nails that perfectly (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Pete]

faith is not an easy walk. must count our blessings each day. how great - your hikes in grand canyon - would love to see it someday. i love to walk and explore. thank you for sharing your inspirational thoughts. i can see that you've walked this walk! ... :)

[barleygirl]

I did the big crevice four times! Also rode my bicycle across the USA at age 32 . . . that's why I don't bemoan my situation, with so many stories I need to get to yet! *smile*

[Pete]

you're counting your blessings right now. how many of us have never done these things?! instead of focusing on what we can't do, let's focus on and be thankful for what we can do and have done. thanks for sharing your inspirations ... :)

[sette]

and most of the time it is faith which keeps us going despite the many times we want to say stop

[Pete]

indeed sette. all it takes is a tiny bit to keeps us going. hope your's is running on full my friend ... :)

[Derekv]

Wow, amazing poem. Marvelous, spiritual imagery. This is truly an inspiring piece for those who walk with God. Keep up the great work!

-Derekv

[Pete]

thank you for your review. it is appreciated ... :)

[angel]

Beautiful work, Pete. The story surrounding this moment of shaken faith: After Jesus fed the multitude, He wanted to go alone to pray.He told his disciples to board a ship and cross the Sea of Galilee while he remained behind to pray. A windstorm arose on the sea during the crossing, and the small ship was tossed about by the waves. On top of this, the disciples were confronted with what they thought was a ghost, and they cried out in fear. What they saw was Jesus walking on the water. Although the Savior announced that it was He, that they need not fear, some on the ship were skeptical. Peter challenged, “If it be Thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.”
Jesus responded, “Come.” (Matt. 14:28–29.)

Peter left the boat and, like Jesus, walked on the water. But when Peter’s attention was diverted from his Master to the buffeting winds and waves around him, his faith faltered, and he began to sink into the water! He cried out, appealing to Jesus for help. After clasping Peter’s hand and assuring his safety, the Master mildly chastised Peter: “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” The story ends by telling us, “when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.” (Matt. 14:31–32.)

[Pete]

yes!!!!! thank you angel!!!!! peter was the "man" as far as i am concerned. although his faith wavered, he was willing to try and take the first step. he wavered again when jesus was being crucified. when asked three times if he was one of jesus' followers, he denied it. i like peter because he got it all and wrestled with his faith as many of us do. jesus told him that he was "the rock" upon which the church would be built. doesn't get much better than that for me. a very relatable man in what is possible through faith even though we sometimes doubt ...

[angel]

Peter is also a particular favorite of mine, because he had glaring weakness at times, yet was resolute and faithful--a walking contradiction, and a totally relatable man. Simon Peter, also known as Cephas (John 1:42), was one of Jesus' first followers. He was an outspoken and ardent disciple, one of Jesus’ closest friends, an apostle, and a “pillar” of the church (Galatians 2:9). Peter was enthusiastic, strong-willed, impulsive, and, at times, brash. But for all his strengths, Peter had several failings in his life. Still, the Lord who chose him continued to mold him into exactly who He intended Peter to be.

[Pete]

indeed. thank you! ... :)

[Pete]

my father named me Peter and my older brother Daniel. very fitting - i too am strong-willed,impulsive, and, at times, brash but sometimes waver. my brother (Daniel) is very steady, reliable and steps right into anything with courage. how befitting huh? how did he know to give us those names? divine intervention perhaps ... :)

[angel]

You, my friend,are in the best of company. Your parents are very wise people.