Waves

As I was praying this morning, in an instant I understood what I’ll try to convey here. But first, let’s re-read the story in Matthew 14:24-31:

“But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 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 courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?””

The fourth watch is between 3am and 6am. It was dark and the strong winds were stirring up waves to crash against the boat. It is then that they saw a figure approach on the water. Their fear escalated to terror. But Jesus spoke to their fear and told them not to be afraid.

Peter asked Jesus to prove Himself and to give him direction, and Jesus did.

Now this is really important to see…

Peter was frightened when he asked Jesus to speak to him and tell him what to do, but he asked anyway.

When Jesus told him what to do…as long as he kept his eyes and focus on Jesus…he was fully able to do as Jesus told him to do.

HOWEVER, when he allowed himself to be distracted from his focus, from Jesus, and gave attention to what was going on around him…the darkness, the waves, the wind…and allowed the wave of panic produced by the storm in his own soul to hit him, he SANK.

Peter was right in the middle of doing what Jesus told him to do, but still he sank….why? Because he allowed himself to be distracted by the events around him and fear set in, robbing him of his Christ-given ability.

How does this apply to us?

Have you ever been in a dark time of your life? That is our night.

Have you ever felt overtaken by fear and circumstances? That is our storm: our winds, our waves.

It may take the form of events that seem to go wrong. It may come in the form of people’s words and opinions. Or it may come from of anger toward us for what we’re about to do or are currently doing in oedience to Christ.

Have you ever found yourself in a dark place, crying out to God to tell you what to do now?

Then, when He shows you, initially you’re excited to do it. You may be afraid but, for the moment, the excitement and relief is greater so you decide to do as He’s shown you.

Yet suddenly, as soon as you do, things happen that cause the fear to grow: people’s words of anti-support, a list of reasons why you shouldn’t, maybe fear has become a lifestyle, and it begins to pull you back in. Let me share with you…

1. There will always be those who will voice discouragement, anger, or do things against us because we have chosen to do as God showed us to do. They may fire us from our job, or kick us out of our house, or any of many other things. They may be even your closest friends or family. 

Jesus addresses this in Mark 10:29-31:

“Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.”” 

Conclusion: People will say and do stuff to deviate us but do it anyway. John 14:15: Jesus said,

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments (authoritative prescription).”

…and again in John 14:23a:

“Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word”.

2. When we step out to do it, the storm will likely not stop but actually get more intense. Don’t become distracted. Maintain the connection to Christ so that you will not sink. Stay focused on Him for the ability to succeed.

3. If we do get hit by a wave of fear, call out to Him and take hold of His hand, reconnect to our source of ability, get back on track, and stay His course.

IN SUMMARY:

Peter was in a dark place and asked Jesus for direction. Jesus told him what to do. Peter was able to do it and did it while focused on Christ and nothing else. 

God will not “set us up” for failure. We can do whatever He shows us to do…WHEN we maintain our focus on Christ and thereby stay connected to the ability He has placed in us.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13