But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. (Matthew 14:24)
Oftentimes, when the storms of life strike, we find ourselves ill-prepared and a considerable distance from a safe harbor. As the hardships of life beat violently against us, we struggle to keep our bearings and stay on course. When these storms in life hit far too often, it seems like everything is driving against us and pushing us back.
Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. (Matthew 14:25-26)
Sometimes, in the midst of the storm, our perception of things blinds us to the help that is out there for us. As the Apostles looked out across the storm-tossed sea, they believed that Jesus was an aspiration walking towards them. Their perception was blurred by the storm raging around them, and they could not see the Savior clearly. Their misperception caused them to fear the one thing that could calm the storm, which threatened their safety and perhaps their very lives.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So, He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. (Matthew 14:27-29)
While many of you reading this article already know what comes next, it is important to note that out of all the disciples on the boat, only one, Peter, conquered his fear enough to recognize the voice of Jesus and address the supposed ghost. Not only did he speak, but when he beckoned, he stepped out into the water and began to walk towards Jesus. No other disciple was so bold. When we find ourselves in the midst of the storms of life, we need to muster the courage to step out and move toward the solution that will calm the storm. Notice that in Peter’s case, it required him to leave the perceived relative safety of the boat and expose himself to great risk on top of the rolling waters of the storm-tossed sea. No matter which way you turn to leave a storm, you have to pass through some part of it…you must take some risk.
But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30)
Peter was moving toward the solution to the storm he and the other disciples found themselves in, but he lost focus, and instead of staying focused on the solution he began to focus again on the problem and started to sink. He did what so many are afraid to do: he asked for help. When we find ourselves trapped in the troubles of life, we need to have the courage and wisdom to seek out the help we need to gain our freedom from whatever trouble has befallen us. Our Lord works in so many different ways and oftentimes does not work directly as in Peter’s case, but many times places the right person or organization in our path to provide the aid that we desperately need.
And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him… (Matthew 14:31)
Whenever you find yourself caught in a storm of life, look for the hand the Lord has outstretched to catch you and pull you free from the frightening, threatening waves and back into the safety of the boat.
(Carl Hartman is the Minister at Main Street Church of Christ in Lockney)
