Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come ahead.”
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”
Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”
The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”
Matthew 14: 24-33
Storms are expected. Seldom do we go a year here in Wenatchee without some amazing wind storms. There isn’t a place on this earth that does not experience perfect weather the entire year. Why then should we expect everything in our lives, or the world, to be perfect? We don’t.
Here, there is a fierce storm out on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus is on the shore and sees his disciples. Jesus walks out on the water towards their boat. When Peter sees Jesus, he desires to join Him. Peter looks at Jesus, and heads towards Him. Peter has the courage to take a step of faith, and looks to Jesus as he does so.
Jesus’ first word to His disciples is, “Courage!” Courage and faith are what are always needed to navigate through trials and struggles. I believe God is calling us all to have courage. This is especially true now, when the storms seem overwhelming, and when we fear for the future.
Jesus is always with us. He comes to us when we are feeling overwhelmed, and offers us Himself.
The disciple Peter is so inspired by Jesus that he asks Jesus to invite him to walk on the water. Jesus does so. Peter then takes a step of faith… out on to the water!
As long as Peter is looking at Jesus, he is able to walk on the water.
Yet as soon as he takes his eyes off of Jesus, he begins to sink.
The temptation is always present to focus more on the storms of life, rather than the one who has the power to calm storms.
However, when we concentrate on the storms, we begin to sink. Only when we look to Jesus do we walk through the storm, like Peter…
Therefore, let us always look to Jesus…
Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Hebrews 12: 2-3 The Message
Prayer
The words from “God of Wonders” by Third Day seem the appropriate prayer for today. Even if you’re not a singer the words are powerful.
Lord of all creation
Lord of water, earth and sky
The heavens are your Tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on high!
And god of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
So early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
As I stumble in the darkness
I will call your name by night
God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Sing God of wonders
The God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
Precious Lord, reveal your heart to me
Father, holy, holy
The universe declares your majesty
You are holy
You are holy, (Yes you are) holy
Holy you are (Holy) Jesus saves (Holy)
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Amen
PS. Here is a link to the song.
Paul Baloche - God of Wonders Music video by Paul Baloche performing God of Wonders. (C) 2014 Integrity Music http://vevo.ly/aREsG5 www.youtube.com
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