Scripture:
‘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. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” ‘ Matthew 14:28-31 NLT
Observation:
Peter asked Jesus for something supernatural. Jesus walked on water and Peter desired to do the same. As Peter began to walk, his focus shifted from Jesus to what was going on around him. How often do we pray for something and when God begins to lead us in it, we become doubtful if it is really OK? There will be things that will try to keep us from accomplishing what God has for us. Furthermore, all it takes is for us to shift our eyes off of God’s leading and we sink in doubt, worry, and fear.
Application:
If we believe in what Jeremiah 29:11 NLT, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope,” then we would all be walking in God’s wonderful future for us. Yet, that is often not the case because we even avoid risks because the “winds and waves” scare us. What can we do to walk in faith toward the future God is calling us to?
Keep our eyes on Jesus. Easier said than done. For one, we cannot see him physically, but yet we know he is there. How? The Bible! the Bible reminds us about all the things God has done, many that are miracles. Each of these are solid examples to put our faith in God. God’s Word will allow us to keep our focus on Jesus. So, when the things around us began to get scary, seem overwhelming, or distract us from the direction God is calling us to follow, look toward God’s Word that will be a light and solid ground to stand on.
We can ask others that are grounded in Christ to also be our “eyes” when we ourselves are blinded by the things around us. Seek godly advice from people that have God’s best in mind for you to encourage you and keep you walking toward whatever God is leading you in.
Prayer:
Dear God Almighty,
Please help us to keep our eyes on You as you guide and direct us into the future and hope you have for us. We ask that you help our eyes to be open to Your Word and our hearts open to those You send to help us. Thank you for the amazing future you have for each of us. Thank you for Jesus who offers His hand to us when we are sinking. We pray for those who are in situations where they are sinking in doubt, fear, and hopelessness. We ask for your light to shine brightly to guide them back to you. We love you and ask of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen!
