Jesus is walking in the storm too

Peter didn't walk on water because he was physically able to do it. He walked on water because he believed Jesus could keep him afloat.

But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. (Matthew 14:30-32)

This is one of those moments in Scripture that I hope we’ll get to see on video: Peter walking on water with Jesus. Say what you want about our beloved, loud-mouthed, impulsive disciple: Peter did something no other regular old human has ever done.

He made lots of mistakes along the way (we all have), and he had a lot to learn about following Jesus (just like all of us do). But Peter had the faith to jump out of that boat. He knew that it was safer in the storm with Jesus than it was in the boat without Him.

But the part of this that always gets me is what happens when Peter gets his eyes off Jesus.

He sinks.

The wind, the waves, the storm, the fear distracted Peter from the choice he’d made in faith. The reality of his situation gripped him, and he forgot that the only reason he’d gotten as far as he had was because of Jesus.

Peter didn’t jump out of the boat and walk on water because he was physically fit. It didn’t happen because he was more worthy than anyone else or he’d worked harder than the other disciples had.

No. He was able to walk on water because he believed Jesus could keep him afloat. And when he forgot that, he sank.

That’s important for us to remember today. Maybe we started a journey in faith, but the wind and the waves are hitting us hard. And it’s making us second guess our choice. And we forget that we didn’t get this far on our own steam.

That’s when we start sinking.

So what do you do when you lose your footing and the waves try to swallow you?

My friend, get your eyes on Jesus. You aren’t out there walking on water without Him. He’s with you right now. Reach out to Him. Cry out to Him. He’ll help you. He’ll lift you out of the waves.

And while He may not make the storm go away, He will always be your safe harbor while it rages around you.

Questions for Reflection

• What is the storm you are walking through right now?

• Why is it so easy to forget that we succeed with Jesus’ help?

• If you feel like you’re sinking today, why haven’t you called out to Jesus for help?

Weekly Memory Verse

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