Life is lived on levels and arrived at by stages. Every time we overcome we increase and go to a new level. On a new higher level you see more. This puts you in a position to do more, experience more, and accomplish more. “May the Lord give you increase more and more, You and your children” (Psalm 115:14 NKJ). God has increase on His mind and so should we.

“And Peter…said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus” (Matthew 14:28-29).

Five things all potential White Water Walkers need to know:

1. God Initiates Growth and Advancement. He initiates it to stretch us; He wants us to do things we have never done before. When I get on a plateau I know God is going to do something to stretch my life. He took Peter out of his comfort zone—He took him beyond what was normal.

2. God doesn’t stretch us in times of ease, comfort and pleasure. He does it in turbulent times, in times when we are under pressure: “[You have] enlarged me when I was under pressure” (Psalm 4:1 RSV). An English proverb states, “Smooth seas never made a skilled mariner.”

3. When God wants us to do A New Thing, Jesus may the only model to follow. Peter’s friends would only go as far as the edge of the boat. Peter was the only one to take the initiative to ask and then obey.

Many will watch to see if you sink or swim. When you take a risk and step out in faith you may miss it somewhere. Jesus was there for Peter and He will be there for you too. Learn from your failures, find out where you went wrong and get up and go on just like Peter did.

4. When God does A New Thing He often gives us a new revelation of Himself. Peter and the disciples had a new revelation of Jesus when they saw Him walking on water to help in a time of trouble.

There is something in all of us that craves the supernatural. You ask, “Lord can I do that?” You will never know if you don't take new steps of faith. “But instantly He spoke to them, saying, Take courage! I AM! Stop being afraid” (Matthew 14:27 Amp). “[God said], I AM…This is My name forever” (Exodus 3:14-15 NKJ). In other words, whatever you really need, Jesus says…”I AM.” “God is…a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

5. Peter wasn't much when he started, but by the time he finished even his shadow healed the sick.

“Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Peter fought the good fight of faith and continued to grow and so can we. Peter gives us all great hope for the future. Your future is worth fighting for!

Are you ready to step out and do some white water walking?

Yours for the next level of faith, maturity and opportunity,

Dr George Hill
President and Founder of Victory Churches International