As my heart continues to ponder and seasons of life seem to go back and forth between the arid dry desert seasons and the storms of life I have to follow my last post with this one. For this post we have to get in the boat with the disciples and sail out into the darkness.
“Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:22-33
How many times in our lives have we been rocked by the wind and waves? Maybe a sudden and tragic death of someone close to us, parent’s divorce, a sudden torment from past abuse, the loss of a job, or some other struggle that arises suddenly. When these times happen what is our response? Are we afraid or to we look upon our Lord with wonder and get out of the boat to walk to Him?
Sometimes I think during these times He uses the storm to see how we will react and to stretch and test our faith. Sometimes I think that He invites us out of the boat so that we can see our faith for ourselves. Will we take a step that is contrary to everything we know and walk on the water or will we refuse to get out of the boat?
I think if we could hear His voice He would tell us not to fear the wind or the waves awash around our ankles. We are children of the Most High Living God and He holds us dear. Surely, the Father who knows the number of hairs on our head will not let us drown in the storm.
When He gets back into the boat with us and calms the storm what will He say to us? Will it be “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” or will He smile and say ” well done!”?
What is He asking of you today? How will you respond?
Jesus, help us to see You, hear You, and most of all to trust You in the midst of these storms in our lives. Help us to be willing to step out of the safety of the boat and onto the surface that is contrary to everything that we know. You are the way the truth and the life and if we just trust You nothing is impossible. Call us onto the waters in such a way that we know what You are calling us to do. Take us by the hand Lord and walk with us back to the boat. Calm the wind and the waves around us and bring us into the calmness of dawn. We love You and we ask these things in Your Name Lord Jesus. AMEN!
This Narrow Path... 