“22 Immediately he made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’
28 Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ 29 He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
34 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word to that whole surrounding region, and people brought all who were sick to him 36 and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed” Matthew 14:22-36.
Peter’s misadventure conveys an important lesson about discipleship, especially the need to stand firm in our faith in the midst of life’s trials. We all find ourselves in stormy situations from time to time. Sometimes we prevail and grow stronger in our faith, and sometimes we falter. Times of testing and adversity can show us where we are in our spiritual development and where we need to improve if we are to grow to Christian maturity.
It is encouraging to recognize that Jesus did not let Peter drown in the midst of a personal trial. The Lord shows himself patient with us; He will never abandon us in our struggle, allowing us to perish for our every mistake. He is Emmanuel, God with us, and He is always there with hand outstretched, ready to lift us up again. The challenge is to learn from our mistakes, much as Jesus wanted Peter to learn that distraction and doubt were the reasons for his failure at sea.
The account draws to a close when the boat reaches Gennesaret on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. News that Jesus has arrived spreads quickly, and soon the local population brings Him all those who were sick and seeking healing.
So in prayer today consider that Jesus never lets you down. Believe this. Think about times He has never let you down.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.
From the Bible:
“The Lord will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” Deuteronomy 31:8.
“Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you”
Joshua 1:5.
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” John 14:18.
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing” Matthew 6:25?
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