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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.”
(Matthew 14:25-29 ESV)
After our Lord Jesus had fed the multitudes, He dismissed the crowds and made the disciples get into the boat to go on ahead of Him across the water to the other side. He then went up on the mountain by himself to pray. As evening came, the boat was a long way away and was being beaten about by the waves and strong headwinds. During the night, He came to them walking on the water. When the disciples saw Jesus, they were terrified because they thought He was a ghost. Immediately, Jesus called out to them telling them no to be afraid (see Matthew 14:22-27).
Jesus then called Peter to come to Him. Peter climbed out of the boat and started walking on the water but when the strong winds blew against him, he became afraid and started to sink. He then cried out to Jesus, “Lord save me!”. Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of Peter saying, “Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?”. And when they got into the boat the winds ceased (see Matthew 14:29-32).
We see in the scripture passage that the disciples had encountered a rough storm on the sea. When the strong winds blew against them they became frightened. When they realized Jesus was there, He immediately told them not to be afraid. Notice the adverb immediately is used in the ESV to describe Jesus' actions - Jesus immediately tells them not to be afraid - and when Peter heads out on the water and starts to sink, Jesus immediately reaches out his hand to take hold of him.
Although they believed they were alone, Jesus came to them at once and was there for the disciples in their time of distress. He was there immediately to comfort them and rescue them from the raging storm.
There are times in life when we experience difficulties and troubles as well. Many times we feel unable to overcome the adverse conditions we are are experiencing. During such times, if we listen closely, we will hear the voice of Jesus calling us to come to him; the voice of Jesus telling us not to be afraid; the hand of Jesus reaching out to save us.
It is when we doubt that we begin to sink. There is no storm that life can bring that we cannot weather through faith in Jesus. When the storms rage and the strong winds blow, seek Him and you will hear Him calling you to come to Him. You will hear Him telling you not to fear for He is with you in your time of need. Take His hand and He will rescue you.
We receive the Lord’s saving grace through our faith. We must have faith in Jesus and know that He is truly there for us always - not only in times of distress, but at all times. He is with us always even until the end of world (see Matthew 28:20).
“For by grace you have been saved through faith.” (Ephesians 2-8 ESV)
Lord Jesus, we come to you with prayers of praise and thanksgiving, You are our comfort and salvation. We trust in You and know You are there for us now and always. In Your name we pray, Amen. †