Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Matthew 14:30-33 But while Peter was walking on the water, he saw the wind and the waves. He was afraid and began sinking into the water. He shouted, “Lord, save me!” Then Jesus caught Peter with his hand. He said, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?” After Peter and Jesus were in the boat, the wind stopped. Then the followers in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “You really are the Son of God.”
When we’re confronted by a difficult situation, an impossible situation, one of life’s great storms, it’s funny how right when we need it most, our faith in Jesus seems to fail us. Why is that?
When Jesus says to you “follow me”, let’s be clear. This isn’t an invitation to an easy life. Far from it. Jesus promised His disciples quite the opposite.
Take Peter the Apostle, who stepped out of that tiny boat pitching in huge seas during that ferocious storm. As we saw yesterday, the Lord called Him out of the boat to walk on water, right in the middle of the storm and indeed, Peter stepped out and onto the water.
That’s one gutsy move, I’m sure you’d agree. And it all started out so well, as things often do.
Matthew 14:30-33 But while Peter was walking on the water, he saw the wind and the waves. He was afraid and began sinking into the water. He shouted, “Lord, save me!” Then Jesus caught Peter with his hand. He said, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?” After Peter and Jesus were in the boat, the wind stopped. Then the followers in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “You really are the Son of God.”
Hmm. I’ve been out on a few stormy oceans like that in my time, stepping out of the boat to answer Jesus’ call. It seems alright at first, but when you’re out on that water, the storm gets your attention like nothing else.
And what happened to Peter has happened to me on more than one occasion. The moment you take your eyes off Jesus and focus on the problem, you start to sink.
Note to self: keep your eyes on Jesus!
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
Blessed by this devotion?
Share it with a friend!
Respond