Your Lifeguard Walks on Water

 

Matthew 14:22-33

New International Version

Jesus Walks on the Water

²² Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

One of my favorite stories features Jesus and Peter.

 The disciples were terrified as waves crashed around their boat, mistaking Jesus for a ghost while he was walking on the water. Peter, showing remarkable courage, called out to Jesus and stepped out of the boat. Despite the raging storm, he kept his eyes fixed on Jesus. However, when he shifted his focus to the raging storm, he
 began to sink, overwhelmed by the chaos around him.

It's so easy to relate to this feeling. A storm is on the horizon, and all we can focus on is the chaos it brings. Bills are accumulating, leaving us anxious about whether we'll have enough to pay them. On top of that, the kids are now sick, adding to our worries. Meanwhile, our bank account seems to be dwindling faster than we can keep up with.

It's true; I can easily get caught up in the chaos around me rather than focusing on the one who brings peace. In those challenging times, God extends His hand, reassuring me with a gentle reminder: "I've got you." He encourages me to lift my gaze and turn my attention away from the distractions that surround me.

It can be challenging, and I completely understand Peter's struggles. However, it's truly remarkable that the God we worship extends His hand to reassure us, calming the storms in our lives. No matter what difficulties you face, remember that your lifeguard walks on water and genuinely cares for you. Lay all your anxieties at Jesus' feet. When times get tough and the storms intensify, pray fervently, seek Him, and call upon His name, knowing that you can rest and that he has you in the palm of his hand.