Trust Jesus in Life's Storms

Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV) Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." There are several interesting observations in this well-known account from the bible. After Jesus dismissed the crowd, he instructed the disciples to go on ahead while he went to the mountainside to pray. Jesus spent a lot of time praying to our Father, and it was especially important for Him to be free from all distractions. It is very important when we pray to do more than all of the talking. God uses our time of prayer to speak to us, especially if we will take time to listen and be still before Him. I also wonder why the disciples didn't recognize Jesus and thought He was a ghost. Were they so caught up in their fears and trembling, and consumed by their fate that they didn't recognize the Son of God whom they followed daily? God is always present and in our midst, especially in life's storms. Another interesting observation is how Peter responds to Jesus. When Peter's eyes were focused on Jesus, he was able to walk on water. When he took his eyes away from Jesus and became consumed by the fearful, strong blowing wind, he began to sink very quickly. Peter did realize, however, that Jesus was the only One who could save him, and he cried to Jesus for help. Finally, when Jesus climbed into the boat, the winds immediately became calm. What an amazing revelation to us that when Jesus is in our boat with us, and we are in complete communion with Him, the storms of life are no longer fearful! Dear Friend, is Jesus calling you today to follow Him? Will you keep your focus on Him, or will you fear the winds that howl and blow, and cause you to sink below the rough waters? Let us all be focused on Jesus today. He is our only Hope, and He is our only Strength, and He is truly our Salvation and Deliverer in all of life's storms. Won't you trust Him today? Praying for Peace in the Storm, Dave Henry