Not initially, of course. When a tsunami of trouble towers over you threatening to deluge you with doubt and discouragement, it takes practice to immediately remember your friend Jesus has helped you before and is well able to do it again.
No matter what it looks like, Jesus is in control.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:27 (NKJV)
You know the story, don't you?
It had been a long day.
It was already evening when Jesus decided to feed the 5,000 instead of sending them away to rummage for food in every little hole-in-the-wall they came across on their way home.
I don't pretend to know how long it took for the disciples to find the little boy's lunch of bread and fish, or how much time went by as the disciples got everyone settled and divided into groups. I'm sure it took awhile after Jesus blessed the food and started handing it out to the disciples for everyone to receive their food and eat it. (After all, the 5,000 was just the men - you know there had to be some ladies and children in that crowd as well.) Then there was clean-up, the gathering of left-overs, etc.
By then, Jesus needed some time to Himself.
He sent the disciples across the lake in a boat, and sent the crowds home.
So after everyone was gone, He went to the top of the mountain to pray. Since He was fully human as well as fully God, I'm pretty sure He just wanted some peace and quiet. You see, He had just learned that morning that John the Baptist (who was actually His cousin) had been killed.
Somewhere between 3 and 6 a.m., Jesus decided to go to the aid of the disciples. A storm had arisen and they were worn out trying to keep their boat afloat.
He just walked out to them in the middle of the sea!
Of course, the sight of Him walking towards them freaked them out. Jesus reassured them and told them not to be afraid.
Peter, God love him, wanted to join Jesus walking on the water. Jesus told him to come ahead. As long as Peter's eyes were on Jesus, he was able to walk on the water, just like Jesus. The instant he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink.
It all comes back to trust. If He tells you to walk on water, you can. Keeping your eyes riveted on Him is key.
And if you don't, you're sunk!
~~~
I'm sharing this post with Inspire Me Monday, #TellHisStory and #TuneInThursday.
Enjoyed your retelling of Jesus feeding the five thousand--and his time in prayer. Every time we read the Bible we get more insights and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteHe has to be our focus or we are sunk too, thanks Jerralea.
ReplyDeleteEyes on Him the key for sure! Thank you Jerralea!
ReplyDeleteJerralea this is very strange!!! God must be telling me something...i'm not a fearful person BUT my husband and I are a bit fearful of something going on with Dave's dad. I can't go into details here but suffice it to say that in my morning devo today the Scripture mentioned fear and now this blog post I see as i log in to write my own post about fear!! Uncanny!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved your post.....keeping our eyes on Jesus.....love it.
Have a blessed day.
I have been so impacted by the story of Peter seeing Jesus walking on water and calling out for Him to ask him to join Him. Reading this story over and over taught me what brave faith is all about. Blessings on your week!
ReplyDelete