When You Focus On The Wind and Waves, You Sink.
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me. Amen
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there all alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from the 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 strong wind and the waves, 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 14:22-33 (NIV)
REFLECT:
Here is Peter, defying all logic, walking on the water. With confidence and assurance, he keeps his eyes fixed on Jesus. Chaos continues to swirl around him, yet he steps one foot in front of the other amazed in the presence of Jesus. Then Peter steps into one big BUT.. ... ln verse 30 it says, "But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink."
Ultimately Peter failed. After he succeeded in walking on the water, he failed to keep his eyes on Jesus, and he sank.
His focus shifted.
APPLY:
What do you focus on? What do you spend your time thinking about? What do you see when you look around your everyday life?
When you wake up in the morning, do you automatically go through a list of all your tasks to accomplish that day, and all the things that are standing against you that may hinder or block their successful completion? The pile of laundry, the angry boss, the impossible deadline, the stack of bills, the sadness in the house, the inevitable conflict awaits you.
Or do you focus on the one who has called you to step out in faith and has promised to be with you and support you every step of the way. Do you rely on the resources God has given you? Do you saturate your mind with scripture and worship music and stand upon the promises of your loving God?
Each new day we live this story, as each day presents itself with various storm fronts in our forecasts. But in each moment of each day we are called by Jesus to step out. We are faced with the decision of Peter to take the step, and keep our eyes focused on Jesus. Jesus is our constant resource and will supply all our needs. His generosity knows no bounds.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank you for always seeing where I am and for providing for all my needs. Help me to always see you and imitate your generosity when I hear your call and see your vision. Amen