Matthew 14:22-33 - Immediately He (Jesus) made the disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." And Peter answered Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." 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."
We know the story of Peter crashing down through the waves. We know how Jesus rescued him and the storm-beaten disciples from looming disaster. When we wonder if we're going to make it, look to Jesus, and watch God making a way out of no way. When the weight of your sin has you six feet under, look to the Savior. With Him there is forgiveness for sins. It was won at the cross, sealed in His resurrection, and is now available to each and every one of us.
When you're rocked by life's many tempests, look to Jesus and you'll find the help—and the hand—you need. In Him there is fresh, reconciling hope for husbands and wives who aren't talking to each other, or worse. In Him there is renewed power to combat the persistent temptation that has tripped you up so many times before.
Don't take your eyes off of Jesus like Peter almost did, or you may end up where Peter almost ended up. When life's got you down and you feel like you're going under, fix your eyes on the Savior. Just as He crossed over to a desperate Peter on the Sea of Galilee two-thousand years ago, so He still does today—for you and me, moving through the problems and insecurities in our lives to reach us, to love us, to save us.
Jesus has indeed crossed over for us. This He did to die in our place. And just as He rose from the dead, one day we too will rise just like Him and cross over to the place He has prepared for us. How do we know this? He has told us so: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also" (John 14:3).
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, take my hand when the storms of life get rough. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.
Adapted from the message, "God's Cross-Over Move," by Rev. Dr. John Nunes
Reflection Questions:
1. How do you guard against making reckless decisions when the storms of life come crashing down on you?
2. When it takes a real determination to keep your focus on Jesus, how do you do that?
3. What Scripture verses do you lean on when your faith's being tested?
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 87-88 1 Corinthians 12
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