If Jesus' ministry did not capture your attention, the miraculous healings along the way may have sparked your curiosity enough to attend his venue. While speaking to the groups of listeners, Jesus encouraged any and all that could hear His words to foster a relationship with God, our Father. Though just a hand-selected few followed Him from the beginning, soon massive crowds began to form and would clamor to gatherings in hopes of hearing or seeing Him.
22And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. Mathew 14:22-23 KJV
Though the approach to God may seem to be understood well by the followers of Jesus, there are many instances of their faith being challenged directly residing within the Bible. As such, many takeaways exist for us to better understand the character of Jesus. Therefore, we have an opportunity that can allow us better insight when trying to understand God's work with all of us. Though the magnitude of that statement may seem brash, reviewing those interactions can allow for a lesson to be learned from their story.
Always glorifying God, Jesus began to shape a new mindset of how to approach God. Though Jesus gave bold testimony and prophetic teachings, He still stepped away from the crowds to speak with God on a personal level. Jesus is often described as ending large gatherings or leaving those following him to isolate Himself in prayer, exemplifying His teachings.
24But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. Mathew 14:24-27 KJV
While against the world and feeling alone, the disciples are consumed with fear and hoping for help. Jesus' closest disciples were in trouble and fearing the aggressive storm, just like we do in our life. In hopes of calming all of those present on the boat, Jesus allows for them to know that what they are seeing is Him and to be of good cheer due to his presence. All while the storm is still crashing into the boat, lightning strikes causing explosions of power and everything being tossed around, a confirmation of Jesus' awe-inspiring peace is evident in their storm. As Jesus states later, the sheep also know the voice of their shepherd, adding to that calmness.
All of those present are fixated on Jesus and His ability to be as a spirit on water. Confirming that Peter's boldness stands apart from those currently in the boat, he stands up in an opportunity to display faith. Unknowingly, Peter created himself a trial of faith, yet a single word from Jesus allows for Peter to boldly stand on water. Not only stand, but to walk towards Jesus.
28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. Mathew 14:28-30 KJV
Though challenged by this storm, Peter created an opportunity in the storm to grow his faith, albeit safely in the presence of Jesus. When we come to Jesus for salvation, walking by faith allows for confirmation of God's presence within our life, even thru trials. Before attempting to walk to Jesus, Peter thought he was fully ready to be in the middle of the storm with Jesus. While focusing on Jesus in front of him, Peter steps out of the boat and starts to walk to Jesus on water. Once Peter is confronted by large, angry winds and his own sinking feet, he submits to the fear that his faith alone cannot keep him afloat.
At times we can feel as though we are walking on water, but it is important to know that the impossible feats are achieved by the grace and mercy from God. In the same, when accepting of Jesus Christ, we too benefit from the ability to call on God when we cannot stand in our own storms. Though doubts surround our own challenges, they can be a birthing-area for faith.
31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?32And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. Mathew 14:31-33 KJV
Just as Jesus does not calm the storm until they are in the boat, storms in our life can look just as defeating. Often misunderstood and similar to this storm, we do not always get understanding of the storm, but knowing that God is always near and able to help us move beyond them should be a comfort. We are not required to step out into storms alone, but even if we do, we can still call for help as shown here. Though the trial was initiated by a test of faith from Peter, it ultimately ends with a call to Jesus for saving grace. At the baptism of Peter, a humble reminder resides of our need for God to be present, and a confirmation that He is.
This moment, whether seen as good or bad, allowed for Peter to realize his work needed to grow his faith in God, but it also showed that God shows us our failure so that we can surpass it. Relying on our own faith or deeds, we are just like Peter sinking in the water. Once we realize the fruits of the spirit of God, our spirit can cause us to float above the rough waters. Similar to Peter in his storm, if we cry out to Jesus earnestly, Jesus will stretch forth His hand to us. Though the storm often gets our attention, it can be a tool to allow us to see how trials do not mitigate Jesus' presence. In fact, it is often used to drive us to call on God.
Please join me in prayer:
"Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing Your encouragement to be seen, even during the trials within our lives. If we are obstructing Your glory with our pain, push us thru that barrier that we try to place between our idea of happiness and Your promise of joy. Allow those willing to be better examples than we can be by ourselves, confirming Your constant work within lives of those that know You. Encourage all able to open their hearts to Your methods. Help those awaiting Your return to be patient with those still seeking Your presence but do know how. Allow us to share the grace and mercy that we are joyful to receive in hopes of growing Your kingdom as you will! In Jesus' name we pray, to the Father and Creator of all. Amen."
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