“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.”
Matthew 14:28-33
Keeping Your Head Above Water
Daily Devotion – August 23, 2020
Devotion based on Matthew 14:28-33
See series: Devotions
Jesus is true God. He proved this by doing things that are impossible for humans to do. The Bible clearly states numerous times that Jesus did the impossible. He fed more than 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and two fish. He miraculously healed people. He raised people from the dead. And, as we hear in this section of Matthew’s Gospel, he walked on water toward his disciples who were struggling against high winds and waves.
The Lord also gave Peter the ability to walk on the water. Jesus told him to “Come!” and, trusting in the almighty power of Jesus, Peter did. But then the waves broke Peter’s “eye contact” with Jesus. Instead of focusing on the strength of Jesus’ promise, he focused on the size of the waves, and the precariousness of his position. Peter started to sink quickly.
What are the waves in your life? What are the problems that make you doubt his power and promises to still help and uphold you? Do you sometimes fear that you will not be able to keep your head above the waters of life’s adversities?
Peter changed his focus back to Jesus and cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus’ response was to pull Peter back to safety. When you feel like you are sinking, focus your attention on Jesus, the almighty Son of God. He promises to help you; he can and he will!
Prayer: (Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal, 446)
I am trusting you, Lord Jesus, trusting only you,
Trusting you for full salvation, free and true.
I am trusting you, Lord Jesus; never let me fall.
I am trusting you forever and for all. Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Powered by WPeMatico