When Peter saw Jesus on the water, he didn’t just want the miracle — he wanted to be with his Rabbi. In this Walk On Water series episode, Bethany Joy unpacks the overlooked leadership skill of “withness” — slowing down to do life with others instead of just doing things for them.

Discover how to build stronger relationships, why presence matters more than perfection, and how doing life together can transform both you and those you lead.

Get your FREE Interactive Appreciation Workbook to help you create meaningful connection: ThriveWithBethany.com

This week in our Walk On Water series, we explore Peter’s bold response to Jesus: "Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come to You on the water."
It wasn’t just about walking on water — it was about being with his Teacher.

We’ll talk about why people in our lives long to do life with us, how to resist the temptation to just do things ourselves, and why the best teaching happens side-by-side, not from a distance.

Whether you’re leading in ministry, raising kids, running a team, or mentoring a friend — your presence is one of the most powerful gifts you can give.

0:00 - Welcome and making sure you’re in the right place
2:32 - Why this is one of my favorite Bible stories
3:50 - That time I stepped out of a raft mid-teaching (and slipped)
5:29 - Peter’s response: "If it’s You, tell me to come to You"
6:39 - Understanding the rabbi–disciple relationship
8:07 - Why “withness” matters in leadership
8:50 - The dishwasher example – teaching vs. just delegating
10:48 - You are a leader to someone, whether you realize it or not
12:32 - Who has practiced “withness” with you?
12:48 - Why relationship-based learning beats YouTube every time
13:06 - Your challenge: Be with someone this week
13:18 - Free workbook invitation and wrap-up encouragement

3 Takeaways:

1. Withness is more powerful than just witness — people learn best when they experience life alongside you.

2. Presence builds confidence and trust, creating deeper connections.

3. Doing things with others takes more time, but the long-term impact is worth it.

Want a practical way to strengthen connection and practice withness?
Download your FREE Interactive Appreciation Workbook at ThriveWithBethany.com