Devotional for Sunday, 10-02-11
... the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:24-33 NIV
Jesus fearlessly walks on the stormy waters. Peter trustingly walks on water when he keeps his focus on Jesus. But when his focus changes to the turmoil around him, he sinks. We make life more difficult when we lose our focus on the One who saves, and we may feel as if we are drowning. When Jesus says "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" it stings - we may think, "How can we NOT be afraid or doubt in times of affliction?" But little or great, faith as tiny as a mustard seed saves. Even in his time of immense distress, Peter cried out to Jesus to save him. We can also continue to turn to God for help, no matter how impossible a situation may appear.
Through the storms of life, keep your eyes on Jesus. Try not to focus on the difficulties of this life, because it only makes them larger and more unbearable. Jesus is always looking over us and pulling us up, holding us in his arms. May we ever look ahead to the glories of life everlasting in heaven with Him!
written by Jan Andersen
(I took the picture of the sunrise shining up on the underside of the storm clouds in Phoenix from my car!)
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