One of my favorite people in the Bible is Peter. I can relate to him a lot more than I would like to admit. He tends to say and do the wrong things. He can make poor decisions out of fear or insecurity about what others will think of him. But, Jesus loves him and believes in him even when Peter cannot see that for himself. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is when Jesus walks on the water (Matthew 14). Peter struggles with faith at times, but later is the first to proclaim that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah. I can relate. I feel like over the past few years I have been on a faith journey and I feel like, just like Peter, there have been times when Jesus has called me to back up my words with action.
"Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus."
Jesus calls him out of the boat and he obeys. But, his faith quickly waivers when he feels the wind pick up and sees the sea begin to churn at his feet. I imagine he looked down to see how bad the waves were. He took his eyes off Jesus and immediately began to sink.
“But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
How many times do I do this? Circumstances get hard. People disappoint me. Things don't work out like I thought they would. The wind and waves pick up strength and I lose my focus. It is so hard sometimes in the midst of life's storms to remain focused on Him and keep stepping forward in faith, putting one foot in front of the other. Can you relate? Are you in the middle of a storm and have lost your focus? Be encouraged! There is hope!
"Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
Don't you think it would have been easy for Jesus to fold him arms and shake his head at Peter for a few seconds? But he is full of mercy and rich in love. He immediately grabbed him. He does the same for us. He sees us floundering in the middle of the waves that threaten to pull us under and He reaches out and grabs us. He reminds us that we have no reason to doubt that He will see us through, because He has done it before and He will do it again. His promises ring true. If you are in the middle of a storm, reach out and take His hand. Refocus on his hope and strength to see you through. If you aren't in the middle of a storm, you will be so remember when the wind starts to whip and the waves start to get bigger and bigger, keep your eyes fixed on the One who will see you through.
