Sometimes as Christians, we lose our focus. Our focus should be on Christ, but situations and problems tend to distract us.
This week we will look at the miracle of Jesus walking on water. But first, let’s get some context for this account. In the previous verses of chapter 14 of Matthew, Matthew 14:13-21, to be exact, it is the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 plus women and children with twelve baskets of bread and fish left over.
From there is where we pick up,
“ Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
“Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 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. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.” Matthew 14:23-33 NLT
As we look at this story, we see the miracle, but we also should see how the disciple acted during the miracle. No doubt, Peter’s action stands out to us.
Peter was bold. If you read, none of the other disciples attempted to get out of the boat during a storm. Peter stepped out in faith. In the storms of our lives, are you walking in faith? Are you trusting in God?
A lot of times, we are afraid of what might happen to us. We forget that God is with us in the storm.
Our next lesson is that we should keep our focus on Christ. We see that when Peter started to look at the wind and the waves, he began to sink. When we take our focus off of Christ, our situation or problems can cause us to sink in fear and anxiety.
When we feel stressed or anxious, we should focus on Christ. He is our comfort and strength. Just like Peter cried out to the Lord to save him, we should cry out to the Lord to help us with our fear and anxiety.
Psalms 23:4 tells us, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”
So as we pass through the storms of life and the darkest of valleys, remember to have faith in the storm, keep your mind focus on Jesus and cry to Him for help.
Are you going through a storm right now? I would love to hear how God is working in your life.
Leave a comment or email me.
