Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get "up-side-down?" At least it is for me.... Earlier this week, I was reading in Matthew about Peter's little jaunt on the water. I mean, really. If you could suddenly walk on water, what would you do???
The story is a familiar one, and I love it. But it seems like each time I read it I'm in need of some kind of little reminder about FAITH and TRUST and FEAR and how important those are in our lives. For me, Peter's little stroll to Jesus relates to all three. He had faith to step out. He trusted Jesus to help him, and Peter walked on water.
Then there was that moment where, in the midst of faith and trust, he looked around. Maybe he saw the looks on his friends' faces. Maybe the waves were pressing at his knees. Maybe the wind was rocking his every step. Maybe he saw a shark. I don't know. What I do know is that in a moment, his gaze was no longer fixed on Jesus. He became distracted by the world. Peter was afraid.
The moment he took his eyes off Jesus, Peter sank. But Jesus was there too, lifting him out of his despair and back to safety.
How like Peter I am. When my eyes are fixed on Jesus, the things of this world seem to fade away. And then, I blow it. I get distracted by the world, my eyes dip down, and I panic. I fear. In that moment, I need Jesus. I want Jesus.
Truthfully, though, I want Jesus all the time. I want Him when I'm sinking but, equally, I want Him when I'm living in victory, running across the water. Because He's the reason why I can.
As we move closer to Easter, I pray that I can keep my eyes fixed where they are supposed to be. On the ONE who is the maker of the universe and the giver of faith, trust, peace, . . . . Jesus.
"And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'" Matthew 14:28-33.
