Jesus is Here

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Matthew 14:27 NLT

The disciples had every reason to be scared as they were on a boat experiencing the powerful strong winds and heavy waves (Matthew 14:22-32).  You also may have a reason to be afraid – how will I pay my bills, my child is harming himself, will I get this job, will I pass my test...  

Whatever the reason for your fear, the reality is that there are real scary circumstances in your life, but in the middle of those situations there is Jesus – The One walking on the water toward you – to hold your hand and catch you when you start to sink – if only you would cry out to Him. 

Our temptation is to be more terrified of the tough circumstance than to trust our Savior in the midst of it.

As Christians we are commanded to put off fear and put on reminders of God’s eternal unchanging characteristics.  Why?  So that the waves of this life won’t take us under.  

In Matthew 14:28, Peter asks Christ:

1. Confirm you really are Jesus  
2. Command me to walk on water  

Jesus does confirm His character and calls Peter upon the water.  Because Peter placed his trust in Christ and not in his own abilities nor anything else, Peter was able to walk upon the water.

However, the moment Peter takes His eyes off of Christ and focuses on the boisterous wind, Peter starts to sink into the sea.  The second Peter cries out, “Lord save me,” Jesus reaches His hand out toward Peter and pulls him upward.  At the same time that Jesus is reaching His hand toward Peter, Peter must make the choice to hold onto Christ’s hand so that he can be rescued.

We too will sink when we focus on our fearful situation instead of on God.  When we remember that Jesus is always reaching His hand out toward us, reminding us of who He is and what He requires of us, we are able to walk on the waters He has permitted or allowed in our life.  

How is Jesus calling you to walk on water? What waves are you facing?  How can God’s past faithfulness remind you that the fear you face today is nothing in comparison to His eternal all-powerful hand?

Jesus is in your circumstances no matter how fearful they may be.   He is walking on the water toward you to catch you when you start to sink – if only you would cry out to Him and take hold of His all-powerful hand.  He desires that your doubt would sink into the sea and that your faith in Him will grow.  Don’t be afraid…be courageous…Jesus is here.  Put off fear and put on faith in God’s good sovereign loving merciful character.