Peter’s walk on water should have been an absolute victory, after all he was walking on the water and defying the laws of nature. Yet Matthew who records this water walking account highlights something to us. Even for someone who had faith enough to walk on the water Peter still saw the wind and the waves and allowed the storm to disrupt his walk and his faith. (Matthew 14:22-33)
The same thing can happen to us. We launch into a great adventure, take a bold faith step, start a new job, move cross country, take on a stretching assignment or begin a new relationship or start a family. Initially we are filled with hope and confidence – we are out of the boat like Peter. We are on the way to achieving something worthwhile and to fulfilling our destiny.
Then we see the storm and feel the wind blowing on our face. We face obstacles and reality starts to set in. Unexpected conflict confronts us, and both our strength and resolve are put under pressure. Just as Peter looked at the wind and the waves and became afraid we can also get scared and feel like we are going to go under.
But one thing that can make all the difference and that is to do what Peter did and to resolve right then and there to fix our eyes back upon Jesus. To shift our focus off the storm, the wind blowing, the waves crashing, the situation screaming, the fear rising and to look at Jesus!
Just like Peter discovered that day out on the water, I was reminded yesterday that miracles happen when we choose to take our eyes and attention off the storm and instead fix them on Jesus. As I took our two youngest children to their sport class we were suddenly caught in a torrential down pour of rain on the Freeway. Visibility was poor, trucks were merging at an alarming rate right next to our vehicle, cars were pulling over into the emergency lane or practically stopping in their lanes, and I found myself stuck looking at a wild storm blowing all around me. Then a little voice arose from the back seat as our youngest son Isaac firmly told the rain to, “stop right now in the Name of Jesus“. Instantly, and I mean instantly the rain just stopped – completely. While I was busy looking at the storm and wind swirling all around us our ten year old son was looking at Jesus and doing just as He had done when faced with a storm – telling it to be still! (Mark 4:35-41)
I have had my share of looking at the storm and listening to the winds of life, but yesterday I was reminded through the faith of a child just how futile and silly that is, especially when we have the authority to speak to the wind and to silence the storm, regardless of what that is.
Today I encourage you to shift your focus off the storm raging and the wind blowing and to look at Jesus! He’s got you and He’s given you the ability and power to silence and overcome whatever obstacle you may be facing. Even when you may have or do stumble, take heart. Peter looked at the wind too and started to sink, yet Jesus reached out his hand and steadied his feet upon the waves again.
Take heart because Peter’s story didn’t finish with walking on water and being the one who took his eyes off Jesus which caused him to sink. The story continues that Peter chose to keep on holding onto and looking at the one who rescued him from the waves. Over time Jesus taught him how to speak to storms, to open blind eyes, heal paralysed limbs and open prison doors. Peter is the one who as he walked through the streets was so focused and full of the power of God that even His shadow falling on the sick would heal them. He is the one who preached to thousands and saw them turn to follow Jesus. He is the one upon who Jesus said, “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it”. (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:14-21; 3; 5:15-16; Acts 12:3-19) Pretty good for a water walking failure.
Miracles happen when we hold onto our hope and the truth that Jesus will never fail us. Today keep on speaking to those storms, stepping out of the boat and choosing to be a water walker.
Have a listen to this song by Kristene DiMarco called “Take Courage” to encourage you today to remain steadfast and to rise in victory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r49V9QcYheQ
Prayer: Lord I thank you that you are never failing and will always be with me walking on the water. You never leave me nor forsake me regardless of the storm or the wind blowing, and today I determine to keep my eyes firmly fixed upon you and the purpose and plan you have for my life. I rise up in victory today. In Jesus name Amen.
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