
Peter, Andrew, James, and John had grown up on the Sea of Galilee. They knew every little fishing village along the Sea’s coastline. They knew the best fishing holes. They knew the glistening beauty of sunset and sunrise shining on the tranquil waters. They knew about, and they had survived the Sea’s legendary and lethal storms.
On this night, halfway across the seven-mile-wide lake, they were “straining at the oars” (Mark 6:48) and their little fishing boat was “battered by the waves, because the wind was against them” (Matthew 14:24.)
After feeding the five-thousand, Jesus had gone away to pray, and He had sent his disciples across the Sea (Mark 6:45-46). The disciples were alone in the storm. Peter probably barked orders saying, “Row harder!”
Have you ever been there? Alone in the storm? Did you work desperately, frantically trying to make it back to shore? Row harder!
From far away, Jesus saw them. He knew right where they were. And He knew when you were in the storm too. As the disciples fought the wind and waves, Jesus came, “walking on the sea” (Matthew 14:26). “Howdy fellas. How are you doin’ tonight? Do you need some help?”
“When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost!’ they said, and they cried out in fear. Immediately Jesus spoke to them. ‘Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid’ ” (Matthew 14:26-27). Peter was always the first to speak. “Lord, if it’s you … command me to come to you on the water” (Matthew 14:28). “Come” (Matthew 14:29), Jesus commanded.
With his eyes fixed on Jesus and with extraordinary faith and courage, Peter swung his leg over the side of the boat and stepped out onto the blustery billows. His mistake was simple. He took his eyes off Jesus. “When he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and (he began) to sink” (Matthew 14:30).
That’s been my experience too. When I take my eyes off Jesus, I sink, I fail, I fall, I fear. How about you?
Flailing and flapping in the waves, Peter prayed the best of prayers. It was short but packed with power. “Lord, save me!”(Matthew 14:30).
We are not alone in the storm. He’s very near, and always hears our urgent cry … “Lord, help me!”
“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).

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