Matthew_14

SOULJournal
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Scripture
 
Matthew‬ ‭14:27-31‬ ‭NIV‬‬
 
“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?””
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Observation-What does it say?
 
The disciples were afraid because they thought it was a ghost walking towards them on the water. However, Jesus told them not to be afraid because it was Him. Peter requested that Jesus call him out into the water if it was truly Him. Jesus did, so Peter got out of the boat, went out to Jesus in the water, and started walking on water! But, when he saw the wind, He took His eyes off of Jesus and started to sink.

Understanding-What does it mean?

Don't take our eyes off of Jesus.

When Peter started focusing on the problem around him, which was the huge wind, he took His eyes off of Jesus, focused on the wind, became afraid and started to sink. How many of us take our focus off of Jesus when problems arise, become afraid and start seeking help for the problem or issue, instead of putting our faith in Christ knowing that He is more than able to take care of it? I admit I am guilty of this. At that moment, Peter still had a little faith, but it was misplaced faith due to fear and that wasn’t able to keep Him above water. It’s just like Pastor said the last couple of Sundays. “Fear is not the absence of faith. Fear is misplaced faith.”

Life Application

Keep our focus on Jesus and not on the problem.

 
Here are some words of a hymn that I love-“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full on His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

Living in this world, we face many problems and challenges in marriage, with finances, relationships, health, work, family and the list can go on. However, we must stand firm in Christ and keep our eyes on Him in order to not be overtaken by them. Pastor Levi even said it in his soul journal post a couple of days ago—we must be quicker to pray than to plan.

Dear Lord, I admit that I would have reacted the same way as Peter did in fear because I have done so so many times. When life's challenges hit, I seek Your help instead of seeking You first. Instead of meditating on the problem or issue at hand, please help me keep my eyes on You and who You are. I am reminded of the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was worried about many things (which I tend to be like) instead of sitting at Your feet first like Mary did. I pray we would all seek Your face more and not be fearful due to misplaced faith. Amen.

 
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-Michelle Gaddi
 
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