And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

~Matthew 14:25-31

MPj04006420000_1__1.jpgOur back deck is a peaceful place in the morning, shady and breezy even in June. Today I took my breakfast and my Bible and sneaked out for a few moments of solitude. The above verses were part of my reading, and I was really struck by them: When Peter remained focused on Jesus and placed his trust in Him, he walked on water; but, when Peter became distracted and fearful because of the whirlwind surrounding him, he began to sink, crying, “Lord, save me.”

Too often I get overwhelmed by life’s whirlwinds and my focus strays from Him. Worse yet is my failure to do what Peter did, which is to cry, “Lord save me!” I’m not quite certain what makes me think I can work it all out without Him; it hasn’t happened yet.

The passage which gave the most comfort, literally made me smile, was: “And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him. . .” Immediately. Caught him. No matter how fearful I become or how big a mess I make of things, He hears my cry. I long for the faith and focus not to become distracted from Him, sunk by fear. “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”

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