On The Rough Water

Peter shouted out, “Lord, if it’s really You, then have me join You on the water!” “Come and join Me,” Jesus replied. So Peter stepped out onto the water and began to walk toward Jesus. But when he realized how high the waves were, he became frightened and started to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he cried out. Jesus immediately stretched out His hand and lifted him up and said, “What little faith you have! Why would you let doubt win?” And the very moment they both stepped into the boat, the raging wind ceased.  Matthew 14:28-32 TPT

Whoa! A powerful message in the Bible of the need for keeping our eyes on Jesus in the midst of life’s difficulties is found in this passage, we read about a great storm that hit the sea, and yet Jesus walked to His disciples on the rough water. 

Jesus had sent them out into the bad weather. The problem was the storm. But when Jesus came to the disciples, He walked on top of the very problem itself. Without getting rid of the storm, He overcame it. He overpowered it.

Apostle Peter was only able to overcome it himself when he kept his eyes fixated on Jesus. He asked if he could come out on the water, too, and as long as he looked at Jesus, he was fine. But when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused instead on the tumultuous circumstances that surrounded him, Peter began to sink.

My friends, whatever you are facing, if you focus on the circumstances, the circumstances will overwhelm you. They will overpower you. 

But there is rescue offered! Jesus Christ invites you to come to Him in the midst of risky situations. He asks you to step out in faith. He gives you victory only when you keep your eyes focused on Him. 

The reality is we will become consumed by our circumstances if we choose to focus on them. And I know its so often hard, more than hard, not to focus on the ground in front of you, but open your bible and start absorbing God’s written word, choose to return your gaze to Jesus He will lift you back up so you are above the stormy sea once again. 

Remember, Jesus hadn’t moved when Peter started to sink. Peter’s focus moved. Only when Peter adjusted his focus back on Jesus did he receive the divine intervention he desperately needed.