They were doing exactly what he had instructed them to do.
In a boat,
on the Sea of Galilee,
sailing to the opposite shore.
When the wind came up and a storm blew in. No problem – after all some among them were fishermen. They had weathered many storms, but these winds grew fierce. Far from shore, their boat was being battered by churning waves.
Suddenly in the distance, something more terrifying than a fierce wind appeared. A man walking on water. Certain that they had seen a ghost, they cried out in fear.
”But Jesus was quick to comfort them. ‘Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.'” (Matt. 14:27 Msg)
I’m not sure what got into Peter, but he impetuously asked Jesus if he could walk to him on water. Jesus gave him the okay. So with great faith, Peter got out of the boat and walked on water. Peter walked on water.
Amazing,
miraculous,
until he took his eyes off of Jesus. Until he focused on the waves that thrashed around him and the wind that buffeted against him and . . .
Peter began to sink.
Terrified, he cried out: “Lord, save me!” And the reaction of Jesus was immediate.
“Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand.” (Matt. 14:31 Msg)
Did you catch that? Jesus didn’t hesitate!
People hesitate when they are unsure. People hesitate when they are being asked to do something they don’t want to do.
But not Jesus.
When Peter was sinking, consumed with fear, as he cried out to the Lord, there was no uncertainty in Jesus. Without hesitation, He grabbed Peter’s hand.
In that moment when Peter hoisted his legs over the boat and stepped out on the raging sea, he was in faith mode. But once out of the safety of the boat, too far from it to turn back, suddenly the waves seemed bigger, the wind seemed stronger. Fear deflated his faith, and he began to sink.
Certainly we can relate to Peter. There are times when we step out in faith – to serve or minister in a way that stretches us, that requires us to get out of our “comfort zone” boat. Yet often after we step out in faith, the realization of what we have committed ourselves to do overwhelms us.
We start to sink.
We take stock of our own abilities and realize we are in over our heads.
We start to sink.
We face resistance. We face adversity. And, we get no support from people who are sitting safely in their comfortable boats.
We start to sink.
What are we to do?
Cry out to the Lord, because He doesn’t hesitate. With great compassion, He’ll grab our hand and keep us from sinking. He will not let go of us. He will keep us safe. And just in time, He will speak to the wind and calm the storm.
Joy Gruits is a Christian educator, speaker, and writer. Her passion is to share a Biblical truths that challenge and motivate people to become devoted followers of Christ who fulfill God's divine purpose for their lives.
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Excellent message of encouragement to us, Joy. Touched our hearts and we went to Him to come and lift her up from sinking. Thanks.
The message was very inspiring and teaches me that Jesus, without hesitation is there for me! What a message to start out my week!
This makes me think of the movie, “All Is Lost.” I’ve always thought there was a sermon in that movie. Has anyone seen it? I don’t want to comment too much if you haven’t, until you do.
It makes so much sense why I reach out in my hours of darkness! I know God is there for me and always had been! Trust, passion, love, and everlasting belief in my Savior.
great insite Joy!! I never thought about the disciples being used to stormy waters, but this storm was more than what they were used to. Sometimes we get terrified of our storms that are bigger than we have been in, all we need to do is cry out to Jesus and He does not hesitate. Thanks for reminding me of that!
Bookmarked and saved! Thanks for the amazing read