January 22

Genesis 44:1-45:28; Matthew 14:13-16; Psalm 18:37-50; Proverbs 4:11-13

When I read stories about Jesus' disciples...the very people He picked to follow Him, it gives me great encouragement for those times I royally mess up. They were people with imperfections just like me.

Having just taken part in the miraculous feeding of thousands with five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus put His disciples on a boat and told them to go ahead to the other side of the lake while He dismissed the crowd. Their faith must have been at an all-time high after such an afternoon.

However the disciples' mountain-top experience didn't last long. Late that evening, their boat was tossed by high winds and they became terrified when they thought a ghost was walking towards them on the water. From the outside looking in, it seems strange the disciples didn't immediately recognize Jesus as He was coming to help them. After all, they knew Him well. I wonder if God ever thinks the same thing about us. Why is it sometimes hard for us to see Him as He tries to come to our rescue?

The good news is Jesus didn't abandon the disciples because they lacked faith. Instead, He called out and told them not to be afraid. That gives me hope  Jesus won't give up on us either --- even if we struggle to believe He's really there.

Peter wanted to believe. When Jesus said, "Come", he crawled out of the boat and stepped onto the water. What were the rest of the disciples doing? Were they too afraid to follow? Certainly it was easier to stay hunkered down on the boat...with everyone else. But Peter didn't follow the crowd. He followed The voice and found himself walking on water! Each step moved him closer to Jesus.

And then it happened. Peter made the mistake of looking at the wind instead of Jesus and he became afraid. Fear caused him to doubt and he began to sink. In desperation, he cried out for help and Jesus saved him. Once they were both safely in the boat, the wind died down, and all of the disciples worshiped Jesus.

There are three great take-aways from this passage. First, don't be afraid. While he was in prison in Rome, Paul wrote to Timothy and reminded him fear doesn't come from God (2 Tim 1:7). He warned the Corinthians to get control of their thoughts (2 Cor 10:5). An undisciplined imagination can be your worst enemy,  paralyzing you with fear about "what if's"! Don't let fear rule or ruin your life. Find comfort and peace in the knowledge that Jesus is near by, always ready to save you. 

Second, be willing to take a step of faith. Many times, Jesus will expect some actions steps from you. Listen for His voice and do what He tells you to do. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow Me" (John 10:27).

Third, keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith (Heb 12:2). He is able to keep you afloat...no matter what you're going through. Don't dwell on your circumstances...they can bring you down and fill your mind with doubt. Keep moving towards the Savior. He'll never let you sink!

Blessings,
Pastor Susan