Matthew 14:22-33 King James Version 22 And straightway Jesus constrained…

Matthew 14:22-33 King James Version

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Let us note that out of the many that were in the boat…only one disciple was bold enough to ask Jesus to allow him come on the waters too. Peter stepped out initially confident unto the boisterous water, but as he got closer to Jesus he looked away from Jesus to focus on the raging waters and fear gripped his heart and he started sinking. But Peter did a very wise thing – He called out and reached out to Jesus, and Jesus immediately came and saved him.

A Christian has been called out of darkness into the light and enabled to live in this dark world righteously. We have been forewarned that there would be tribulations in this world, and Jesus has said to us to “be of good cheer” (John 16:33 KJV).

(Hebrews 12:2 KJV) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

It is very likely that we would sometimes stumble or trip up and this happens whenever we look away or lose focus of Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Looking away from Jesus who is light is unwisely closing our eyes and trying to navigate the many hinderances of the enemy by groping around in palpable darkness.

Jesus is indeed our light and just like one sees only darkness when one shuts one’s eyes; a Christian who loses focus of Jesus or become insensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit is faced with paralysing darkness, such is lost, afraid and confused. Like Peter, such ends up sinking helplessly. If ever any of us Christians find ourself sinking deep in the challenges of life, we just need to remember to open our eyes, looking in the direction of Jesus, we must open our mouth and cry out…Jesus, Master help me! It is absolute foolishness and suicidal not to. Prayer is key for a Christian and we ought to pray at every opportunity, concerning any situation. A silent or prayerless Christian is a defeated Christian.

(Ephesians 6:12 KJV)
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

There are evil powers that seek out Christians that have lost focus of Jesus. The enemy of our soul, the devil, looks for such to prey upon. But praise be to God, if such would cry out to Jesus, help is never faraway.

What would have happened if Peter did not cry out to Jesus for help, have you ever wondered?

If Peter had not cried out maybe Jesus in the sovereignty of His Love and Lordship would have still had compassion; but who knows.

What happens when we choose to take on life all by ourself ignoring the presence and the very ready help of Jesus?

When and if the hassles of life becomes distracting and a bit too much and you find yourself sinking, refuse to be swallowed up by it. Rather Cry out to Jesus Christ, reach out to Him, He is able and willing to help and to save you.

I say these to any Christian reading this message who is going through an uncomfortable time and has become fearful hearted, “Do not be afraid”!
The Lord your God will come and with His mighty arm,
when you call on His Name,
He will come and save you.

If you would look away from your worries, lifting up your eyes to God; I declare that you will arise again in Jesus Name.

Do not lose your faith!

God is our refuge in the day of trouble. He is our shelter in the time of storm. He is our tower in the day of sorrow and our fortress in the time of war. Glory be to His Holy Name!

Amen!

– Anand Jonathan