Fix Your Eyes: Monday Devotional 4/20/20

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 14:29-33

I love shark movies.

It’s about the only kind of scary movie I can handle. I love the thrill of swimming in unknown waters, unsure of what lurks in the currents.

Sometimes those movies can leave an unsettling feeling in my stomach about the ocean, though. As calm and beautiful as it might seem, it really isn’t the safest place to be. I’ll always be a beach girl but it’s something to think about.

Maybe that’s why I still shriek when my toes find something other than sand in the water.

Or maybe that’s why I felt so much panic when I started to get caught in a rip current.

Why would Peter willingly ask Jesus to command him to come onto the water? Let alone it was a stormy night in the middle of the sea. I can’t even imagine the size of those waves. What was Peter thinking in that moment?

Maybe he knew that Jesus would use him to perform a miracle. That storm was the way He would reveal His glory once again. Peter would get to be a part of that.

What storm is God calling you into? We often forget that the storms are meant to grow our faith and reveal more of God to us. So why do we get so caught up on the severity of the storm, when we serve the God who can calm it?

Do not be afraid. Step onto the water. It will be okay.

Maybe you are facing family issues, mental illness, heartache, financial instability—the list can go on. Whatever it is, God has called you into this season for a purpose.

Will you trust what He is doing? Will you step onto the water and into what God has promised you? Or will the waves seem too great to you?

Notice that Peter started drowning when his mind made the wind seem stronger than his God. You cannot be overtaken by fear. If you set your mind on Christ, nothing can shake you.

In these times of fear and uncertainty, set your gaze above. Spend time with Jesus, worship Him, read the word and remind yourself who He is. He is so much bigger than the storm.

Now get this. I love this part of the story. Even when Peter was doubting, Jesus didn’t let him drown.

He won’t leave you drowning today.

You can trust that God is going to lead you through the storm, and you’ll see the other side of it. You will see the sun again.

Step onto the water. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Something amazing is about to happen.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Give me faith to step into this storm with confidence that You will use it for something great. Use this trial to grow my faith in You. Help me to lean on You in this time. Show me that You are my rock, my foundation. In Jesus’ name, amen.