Matthew 14
recounts Jesus’ disciples in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus came to them
walking on the water. But, perhaps even more astonishing is the fact that at
Jesus’ invitation, Peter walked on the water as well. Jesus demonstrated His
power over natural circumstances, and He invited Peter to benefit from His
power over the waves. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was walking
above what he could do in the natural. But, as soon as Peter took his eyes off
of Jesus and focused on the natural realm, he began to sink.
Life is full of circumstances, problems, and fears that can overwhelm us. But, if we look to Jesus, and if we are attentive to His word, we can rise above the natural circumstances and walk in a place where God’s power is lifting us up. As we fix our gaze on Jesus, as we focus on Him and not the problems and fears of this life, we find ourselves rising above the circumstances. But, as soon as we give in to the temptation to doubt Jesus, to doubt the Father’s love, to doubt that His word is true, if we see the circumstances as greater than God’s promises, we begin to sink.
Life is full of circumstances, problems, and fears that can overwhelm us. But, if we look to Jesus, and if we are attentive to His word, we can rise above the natural circumstances and walk in a place where God’s power is lifting us up. As we fix our gaze on Jesus, as we focus on Him and not the problems and fears of this life, we find ourselves rising above the circumstances. But, as soon as we give in to the temptation to doubt Jesus, to doubt the Father’s love, to doubt that His word is true, if we see the circumstances as greater than God’s promises, we begin to sink.
Thankfully, this account of Peter walking on the water does not end with Peter sinking. Peter called to the Lord, “Lord, save me.” Not the world's longest prayer, but the scripture says, “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hands and caught him, and said to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Jesus was there to save Peter, and He is available to help us also. The important thing is to keep looking to Jesus and not doubt His love, His care and His goodness.
Godspeed!
