Learning from Jesus - Pt. 13

 

Immediately he [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. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time 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. 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. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:22-33 ESV).

 

I have done some pretty crazy things in my 75 years of life. I could mention many of these things, though one of the craziest is pictured here. Somehow I was coerced into letting Bob Tarter put a snake around me at VBS one year! I was moderately under control until the snake turned and looked me in the eye as if it was wondering if it could eat me! I wonder, what is the craziest thing you have ever done? How about in your life of faith? What is the craziest thing God has ever challenged you to do? Were you up for the challenge, or did you hear excuses in your head about why you couldn’t possibly try? Did you jump in with both feet and find, to your surprise, that maybe it wasn’t so impossible after all?

 

I wonder how big the smile was on Jesus’ face when Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” I love it that Peter was ready to test his faith even when things looked impossible. He stepped out of the boat looking at Jesus. Even with little faith, his walk on water was possible. But when Peter looked around him and saw the wind and deep water, he became afraid and started to sink. When Jesus asks for our trust, he knows there is a bigger story to be written. There are days when circumstances muddy the waters and the trust factor diminishes. Perhaps today is a day to refocus where you are looking. Focus on Jesus!