Matthew 14-12.7.22

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?””

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? We 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’s fear wasn’t able to keep Him above water.

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.”

Just a few days ago, I experienced unrest and a lack of peace because I was focusing on a couple of problems, instead of going to the Lord in prayer. Very long story short, the Lord ended up working it out perfectly in His timing. If I would’ve trusted Him and kept my eyes on Him instead of how I needed to fix the problem, I wouldn’t have started to sink in that place of stress and unrest. I’m thankful that the Lord reached out His hand and caught me, like He did with Peter. It was definitely a great lesson for me in Who I need to keep my focus on.

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 before, just recently too. Please forgive me for losing my focus on You. I really don’t like the unrest it brings to my spirit. When life's challenges hit, may I seek You first in prayer so that my spirit would be at peace. Instead of meditating on the problem or issue at hand, please help me keep my eyes on You and Who You are. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi