MATTHEW 14:22-32 – Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But 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 heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.”
THEME OF THE DAY: WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR TRIALS. Many things go through our minds when in the depths of trial. We may be like Davd and grow impatient – How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? (Psalm 13:1-2). Or feel hopeless, hated, and abandoned like Job – He has torn me in his wrath and hated me; he has gnashed his teeth at me; my adversary sharpens his eyes against me (Job 16:9). By the way, what Job felt was not true! And though we might feel like David and Job, our feelings are not what we rely upon.
As we read through the account of the disciples at sea and Jesus teaching them invaluable lessons about Himself, themselves, and faith in Him, pay attention to four words easily glossed over. They are what we easily forget when trials abound, our strength is weak, and we feel confused, battered, and lonely. Here the words – He came to them. There it is! The answer that enables us to endure whatever the Lord chooses to send our way – Jesus will come to us in the time of great trial. His Presence led to not only calming the rough seas but also calming the raging fear in the hearts of the disciples.
So, when trials come into our lives, and they will, stop and remember two things. First, the Lord sent the trial for our good. And He will be with us in the trial as He was before it came. He has promised, and He is good to His Word.
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You that I am never alone in this life of many trials.”
QUOTE: “God has promised to never leave or forsake us. Trust Him. He will be true.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim