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Matthew 14:26
When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” |
Perhaps the difference in being afraid of the storm and having the courage to walk in the storm is truly knowing and believing “[He] is there” (Matthew 14:27). The disciples were afraid when they first saw Jesus moving toward them! They didn't recognize Him and even thought He was a ghost (Matthew 14:26). The interesting part of this story is the disciplines had just been with Him a few hours earlier the same day. In awe, they watched Jesus feed 5,000 men, plus all the women and children, with only 5 loaves of bread and two fish (Matthew 14:19-22). The disciples not only knew Jesus, but also personally witnessed the miraculous things He could do.
Yet, in that moment, as the water began to crash against their boat, they were scared. The disciples didn't just happen to be there at this moment. Verse 22 says Jesus "insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side". Jesus sent them! I would imagine, as the storm began to roll, they likely wondered, "Why would He send us into such a challenging place?" Maybe they were even asking each other, "Where is Jesus when we need Him most? Is He going to stay on the shore and do nothing while we drown?”
Most of us have probably had thoughts like this at some point in our lives. In His due time, Jesus always proves faithful! Oftentimes I find myself asking Jesus to help me avoid trials. However, as I continue to journey through life, I am becoming increasingly aware, in reality, the greatest growth doesn’t come by avoiding trials; growth only comes when He meets me in them! It takes a lot of heat to purify silver or gold, and a clay pot that hasn’t been in the oven can't hold much before it collapses and loses its shape.
Father, thank you for knowing exactly what we need even before we ask for it. Thank you for molding us and shaping us into the men and women of faith that you have created us to be. Help us to look to you in the storms! We thank you in advance for seeing us through them. It is in Jesus' mighty and all-powerful name we pray. Amen
Yet, in that moment, as the water began to crash against their boat, they were scared. The disciples didn't just happen to be there at this moment. Verse 22 says Jesus "insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side". Jesus sent them! I would imagine, as the storm began to roll, they likely wondered, "Why would He send us into such a challenging place?" Maybe they were even asking each other, "Where is Jesus when we need Him most? Is He going to stay on the shore and do nothing while we drown?”
Most of us have probably had thoughts like this at some point in our lives. In His due time, Jesus always proves faithful! Oftentimes I find myself asking Jesus to help me avoid trials. However, as I continue to journey through life, I am becoming increasingly aware, in reality, the greatest growth doesn’t come by avoiding trials; growth only comes when He meets me in them! It takes a lot of heat to purify silver or gold, and a clay pot that hasn’t been in the oven can't hold much before it collapses and loses its shape.
Father, thank you for knowing exactly what we need even before we ask for it. Thank you for molding us and shaping us into the men and women of faith that you have created us to be. Help us to look to you in the storms! We thank you in advance for seeing us through them. It is in Jesus' mighty and all-powerful name we pray. Amen