The Secret of Walking on Water
Matthew 14:22–33; August 9, 2026; IOUC; Brother Zhao He
Introduction
Last time, my sermon is peace in the midst of the storm. This time, we will explore the secret of walking on water.Interestingly, both sermons are closely related to my professional background. God often uses our past experiences and careers for His kingdom and glory.
The inspiration for this message came at the end of June when I took my daughter, Mai, to the hospital. While waiting in the emergency department, the waiting time was very long. I found myself constantly wanting to look at something on my phone. My heart simply could not remain quiet or fully present with my daughter.
Then I asked myself, “What is God’s calling for me at this moment?”
Isn’t it simply to accompany my child and pray together with her?
The moment I realized this, my heart became still. I was able to focus on being present with my daughter, and during that quiet time, God revealed to me the secret of walking on water.
Let us now look at the first point.
A Life That Is Unnoticed by the Crowd
Jesus had just fed five thousand people with five loaves and two fish. Humanly speaking, He had become the center of everyone’s attention and admiration. After all, for most people, if you satisfy their stomachs, you win their hearts. As the Chinese saying goes, “Food is the first necessity of the people.”
Yet Jesus answered: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
(Matthew 4:4)
Today, fame often means wealth and influence, and everyone longs to become famous. But do we thank God for allowing us to live a life that is unnoticed by the crowd—a life that finds its satisfaction in Christ alone?
- Leaving the Spotlight of People
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.”
The spotlight of people can become a dangerous spiritual trap because people naturally create idols. Sometimes we make idols of ourselves; other times we make idols of other people.
When Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive God’s commandments, the Israelites became impatient because he did not return quickly. They made a golden calf for themselves, provoking the Lord’s anger, and about three thousand people lost their lives.
Likewise, when Paul and Barnabas preached in Lystra, the people called Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes,” and even tried to offer sacrifices to them. Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes and urgently stopped the crowd.
The spotlight of people is one of the greatest pitfalls on the spiritual journey.
When Satan took Jesus to a high mountain and offered Him all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship, Jesus answered:
“Be gone, Satan! For it is written,
‘You shall worship the Lord your God
and him only shall you serve.'”
(Matthew 4:10)
How many people have fallen because they desired the applause of others! May we remain watchful, quickly leave the spotlight of people, and worship God alone.
- Faith in Loneliness
“When evening came, he was there alone.”
Very often, the walk of faith is lonely and misunderstood. When Jesus went to the cross, even His own disciples could not understand Him. Out of fear during persecution, they abandoned Him. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds who once shouted praises later cried, “Crucify Him!”
The way of the world is self-centered, but the way of following Jesus is self-denial. How can the world truly understand such a path?
It is indeed a lonely road—a road where our old self must die. Yet it is never a road walked alone, because God Himself walks with us. His presence is the only reason we are able to continue.
- Strengthening the Disciples
“By this time the boat was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.”
The disciples were sailing exactly where Jesus had sent them. Yet the contrary wind and violent waves were not outside God’s knowledge. Likewise, whenever we seek to fulfill God’s mission or engage in evangelism, we should expect opposition and many forms of distraction.
This is why fellowship, mutual encouragement, intercessory prayer, and loving reminders among brothers and sisters are such precious comforts as we walk the lonely road of faith.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
(Matthew 18:20)
We must not jump out of the boat simply because the wind is against us, nor stop rowing and turn back.
Scripture exhorts us: “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
(Hebrews 10:25)
Even the two disciples on the road to Emmaus experienced God’s grace through fellowship while they were fleeing in disappointment.
Sometimes we may not feel God’s presence, yet as long as we remain in Him, He remains in us. God often calls us to wait patiently. When His appointed time comes, He Himself will strengthen our faith. Israel waited 430 years in Egypt before God’s time arrived.
Brothers and sisters, do we have this confidence? Are we willing to wait upon the Lord? Do we truly believe that God works all things according to His good purpose?
Stepping Out of the Shadow of Fear
Many of us grew up surrounded by fear, didn’t we? Those who have raised children know that when children are mischievous or disobedient, parents often feel helpless. In moments of frustration, we may resort to threats or intimidation.
When I was a child, my mother often said to me, “If you don’t behave, the police will come and take you away.” As a result, I became very afraid of the police—yet strangely enough, I also dreamed of becoming one.
The Bible tells us that there is no fear in love. Brothers and sisters, should we continue living under the control of our old fears?
1. The Old Self That Fears Evil Spirits
“But when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear.”
When our understanding of the truth is shallow, our spiritual foundation becomes unstable. Even though the disciples had already been following Jesus, they were still afraid of ghosts.
I once considered myself an atheist. But was I really? When I was young, I was terrified whenever I had to walk past a cemetery at night. Even last year, when I returned to my hometown and passed several graveyards, those childhood memories of fear still affected me.
Many people claim to be atheists, yet they are still afraid of ghosts. Do we really understand what we believe?
A life that does not know the truth is a confused life, falling short of the glory of God.
2. Do Not Be Afraid
“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.'”
The words “Do not fear; only believe” have encouraged me countless times. I remember in 2014, when I was hesitating about whether to attend discipleship training, Pastor Paul Wang shared these very words with me. That encouragement helped me make the decision.
Yet, even today, I still struggle with fear. Last Thursday, after work, I was walking home when thunderclouds suddenly gathered. Lightning flashed across the sky, and the thunder roared. Immediately I became afraid. My mind recalled a childhood memory of someone being struck by lightning. Without thinking, I started running home. Running itself wasn’t wrong—but what motivated me to run was fear. At that moment, the Lord seemed to ask me, “Why are you afraid?” “If lightning were to strike you, it would only happen with God’s permission.” Hearing that reminder, I slowed down and continued walking. But after a while, fear returned, and I ended up running home anyway.
Do we truly have the confidence that the Lord reigns even when the floods come? If we did, fear would lose its power over us. Fear never solves our problems. Where can we flee from the presence of the Lord? As Mike Lei shared in last week’s sermon, a life fully surrendered to God has nothing to fear.
Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
(Matthew 10:28)
The Lord is our ever-present help. The One we should truly fear is the Lord Himself. May God deliver us from the fears of our old nature.
3. The Determination to Follow Christ
Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
Jesus did not immediately walk all the way to the disciples’ boat. Instead, He remained some distance away. Why? Because God often develops our faith through waiting and testing.
God allowed Israel to remain in Egypt for four hundred and thirty years before delivering them. When He finally led them out, He did not bring them directly into the Promised Land. Instead, He led them through forty years in the wilderness. Nor did He remove every obstacle immediately. He allowed them to face the Red Sea before them and Pharaoh’s army behind them. All these experiences were God’s way of refining their faith. God delights in a people who trust Him.
Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33)
Brothers and sisters, whenever we feel overwhelmed by difficulties, fear, weakness, or when it seems that God is silent in response to our prayers, we must remember: This may be the very season in which God is refining our faith.
Scripture reminds us: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
(Romans 8:28)
Peter provides a wonderful example for us here. First, he prayed to the Lord. Then he expressed his determination to move toward Christ.
As I reflect on this passage, I realize that a life without faith is ultimately empty and uninspiring. The richness of life is found in experiencing the Lord’s guidance firsthand.
Are we content to remain in our comfort zones, merely drifting through life? Or are we willing to step out in faith and follow where the Lord leads?
Peace Through Faith
Some people may hesitate and think, “If following the Lord means suffering, perhaps I should wait.”
But let me ask you this: If we do not follow the Lord, will we escape suffering? The reality is that suffering is part of every human life. We all experience sickness, separation from loved ones, disappointments, countless trials, and ultimately physical death. Since the fall of humanity, no one has been exempt from suffering.
If we do not exercise our faith and learn to please God in ordinary days, then when severe trials come, we will easily be shaken and fall away.
- To the Lord’s Calling
Jesus said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.
Many people who claim to “believe only in science” question the authenticity of this passage. I remember talking with a former colleague about Christianity. He laughed at the Bible and said, “In middle school physics we learned that an object denser than water sinks. Yet the Bible says a man walked on water. That’s absurd.”
But Jesus also said, “For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.”
(Matthew 17:20)
How small our faith often is!
Peter first made up his mind to go to the Lord. Then Jesus called him. Peter responded by stepping out of the boat. Here we see a pattern of cooperation between God and His people:
God’s calling → Our decision → Prayerful waiting → Obedient action
What usually prevents us from taking that step? The desires of the flesh. The desires of the eyes. The pride of life.
As Scripture says, “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
(1 John 2:16)
When God commanded Moses to stretch out his staff over the Red Sea, Moses obeyed—and the sea parted.
Throughout Scripture, God’s servants responded to His call with obedience.
These spiritual giants remind us that faith is God’s gift, enabling us to overcome every obstacle, answer His calling, and move forward in obedience.
- To the Lord when Fear
“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out,
‘Lord, save me!'”
Peter had made the decision. He responded to Christ’s call. He stepped out in faith. Yet almost immediately, his old nature surfaced. Perhaps pride crept into his heart. Perhaps he became aware that the other disciples were watching. Maybe he even thought, “Look! I’m actually walking on water!” And as soon as pride entered, fear followed.
The Bible says,
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
(Proverbs 16:18)
One of the clearest ways to measure our intimacy with the Lord is to observe our first reaction when difficulties arise. When we are hurt…When we are discouraged…When we are frightened…Who do we turn to first? Do we immediately cry out to Jesus? Or do we instinctively seek help from people, circumstances, or our own strength?
Likewise, when success comes, do we first give thanks and praise to God? Or do we quietly forget Him?
Whenever we turn our faces toward Christ, His light exposes the darkness within us.
And where light exposes sin, grace provides the opportunity for repentance.
- Peace without doubt
Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him, saying,
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
Jonah ran away from God’s calling. God appointed a great fish to swallow him. After three days and three nights, Jonah cried out to the Lord, and God delivered him.
John the Baptist, while imprisoned, also struggled with doubt. He sent his disciples to ask whether Jesus was truly the promised Messiah.
Jesus answered by pointing to His works:
“The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. Blessed is the one who is not offended because of Me.”
(Luke 7:22–23)
Peter doubted. Peter cried out. And immediately Jesus reached out His hand and rescued him.
Brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by countless testimonies of God’s faithfulness.
Why should we continue living in doubt? Doubt is part of our old nature. But lasting peace comes only through trusting the One who strengthens us. Do we truly believe, without hesitation, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?
Conclusion
Praise the Lord! Are we willing to follow Christ and walk on water? It is a lonely road. Yet it is also a road of immeasurable richness. Above all, it is a road that requires faith.
This is the secret of walking on water: The path of walking on water is, in reality, the path of faith.
Scriptures:
14:22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
14:23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
14:24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.
14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.
14:26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.
14:27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
14:28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
14:29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
14:30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”
14:31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
14:32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
14:33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
(Matthew 14:22-33 ESV)
