Matthew 14 - 8.12.24

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

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.

When Peter started focusing on the problem around him, which was the huge wind, he took His eyes off of Jesus, became afraid and started to sink. 

Peter’s fear wasn’t able to keep Him above the water. 

Application

Keep our focus on Jesus and not on the problem.

How many of us take our focus off of Jesus when problems arise? We become afraid and start worrying, instead of first praying and putting our faith in Christ, knowing that He is more than able to take care of it. I admit that I am guilty of this, as my natural default is not always prayer, but worry. Worry always leads my heart to a lack of peace. 

This is one of my life verses (which I have to remind myself of often) whenever my natural inclination is to worry or be anxious about a situation. I have also shared this verse with my daughters, as a reminder whenever they start to feel worried about a situation. Remembering to balance my requests with thanksgiving is very important as well! 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Prayer

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. 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. May I also remember to balance thankfulness with my requests to You. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi