Today I happen to be dealing with something tough. And for a moment I once again was beginning to let doubt and fear enter my heart. Thankfully the first thing that I did is come into my hidden place and talk to my father, cry out to my Heavenly Father and ask Him for strength, for his help and more faith.
I’ve been reading the book of Matthew lately and the chapter that was next to read was chapter 14. As I was reading it, I came across the story of Peter, when him and the other disciples were on the boat and a huge, big, big storm came; and all of the disciples were fearful for their life’s. They were fearful that this storm would possibly drown their boat. And than early in the morning Jesus was coming to their rescue. Jesus was walking in the water towards them and the disciples only see something from far away, and because of all of the fear that had build up by the storm they even thought that Jesus was a ghost! Actually they were so fearful that they cried out “It’s a ghost!” (Paraphrasing vs. 26) They cried out! That’s how much fear and anguish they were feeling at that moment.
And it’s so beautiful that Jesus was the one to come to them in the middle of this crazy storm and tell them at once “Don’t be afraid,” “Take courage. I am here!” (14:27 NIV)
And than comes Peter, the brave one, or the bold one who asked Jesus “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water” (14:28 NIV)
29. “Yes come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus. 30. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
31. Jesus Immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
Peter was not putting Jesus to the test. Instead he was the only one in the boat to react in faith. His impulsive request led him experience a rather unusual demonstration of God’s power. Peter started to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the high waves around him.
And is something I started to do today, for a moment I let my fear and doubt about my storm enter my heart and take my eyes off Jesus and I felt as if the storm was going to be forever! And I love how God’s love is so powerful and bring us strength in the middle of our storm and it rebukes us when we need it. As Jesus told Peter, you of little faith! Jesus told me this evening, “Jhacky, why do you doubt me?” “Don’t you know that I am your Heavenly Father, the One who loves you unconditionally and would never let you go?” Man…. It’s just so beautiful to find comfort in God’s word and to remind us to have faith!
If we focus on the waves of difficult circumstance around us without faith in Jesus to help, we too, may despair and sink. To maintain your faith when situations are difficult, focus on Jesus’ power rather than on your own circumstances.
And Although we start out with good intentions, sometimes our faith could falter. This doesn’t necessarily mean that we have failed. When Peter’s faith faltered, he reached out to Christ, the only one who could help. He was afraid, but he still looked to Christ. When we are apprehensive about the troubles around us and start to doubt Christ’s presence or ability to help, remember that He is always with us! He is the only one that can help no matter what the circumstance may be.
Let’s step out of the boat in faith with God! Let’s act on faith and do something for Christ, let’s not be spectators anymore, but let’s be participators! And let’s not take our eyes of Jesus!
So Please….. Don’t take your eyes off Jesus!!!
Have Faith in the One who CAN DO IT ALL no matter what the storms may be!
God Bless!
