Reflecting today on Peter’s journey through the storm…I am convinced this can help you as well. If it has been a while since you have considered this text, let me highlight just a few ideas for you as you get your day started. Here is the story as Matthew tells it:
22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:22-33)
Consider these four simple ideas as you take on this day … day who knows of the coronavirus shutdown.
In the Midst of the Storm, Jesus Knew Where They Were
In the midst of this storm, Jesus was totally aware of what was going on with the disciples. In fact, Jesus is the one who sent them out. They were where He told them to be and were doing what He told them to be doing. There they were.
Minding their own business – which was His business – they worked on getting across the Sea of Galilee. However, as they did, a storm comes up and makes their business which was His business hard. Though they were not to the other side. They couldn’t quit because their journey wasn’t through. They had to be faithful to do their business which was His business as they toiled.
But don’t miss this: Jesus knew where they were.
The Disciples Were Weary
The disciples had more questions than answers. No doubt they were weary. They began this short journey across the Sea of Galilee at dark. It is now between 3:00 am – 6:00 am. They had been fighting the waves and the wind, and they continued to fight them. Although they were experienced fishermen, a long night is still just that – a very long night.
Remember, they were doing what Jesus told them to do. They were located where Jesus told them to be. Doing the right thing. Located in the right place. However they were still in a storm fighting which made them weary.
So don’t miss this: The disciples were weary.
Jesus Told Them to Not Be Afraid
In the midst of this storm, Jesus came to them. It is in the darkest part of the night. They are out on the Sea with no lights other than what was coming from the moon and stars – if any. Possibly there were no clouds that night, but not likely. A front was pushing through with heavy winds. Then Jesus comes walking toward them.
The disciples were afraid! I think we might have been as well. Can you imagine it? I can’t. Here they are doing their thing, toiling on throughout the night. One of them gets a glimpse through the turbulent toss of the waves of something – or it looks like someone – walking toward them on the water. How in the world can this be? What is it? Who is it?
They begin to cry out for fear.
Jesus immediately calls back to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”Jesus immediately calls back to them, 'Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.' Click To Tweet
Again, don’t miss this: Jesus wanted them to be courageous and not controlled by fear because He was there.
Why Should They Be of Good Cheer and Not Be Afraid?
There are so many answers for this. I hope this question will stay with you throughout your day. This is where my mind has been so challenged today. You can come up with your own answers; however, I’ll share just a few that have been on my mind today.
First, Jesus is the Son of God. That’s a reason to not be afraid! Jesus is God. Oh friend, this is a reason for you not to be afraid today as well. And, not just don’t be afraid; but be of good cheer! Have courage!
Second, Jesus is with them. They were in the presence of the very Son of God. I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to be in a storm, there’s no other person I would want with me than Jesus. And He is! Jesus said, “And lo I am with you always” (Matt 28:20).
Third, Jesus is in control. Jesus commands the wind, the storms, the everything. He is in control of the world around us. This is another great reason to not be afraid but instead to have courage. Jesus is in control. It is nice to know that the One with you in the midst of a storm is the very Son of God Who is in control. To me, this is a reason to be courageous and not afraid.
Fourth, Jesus helped Peter and all the disciples when they had little faith. They were weary. They had toiled all night after a long day. This would not go down as their best day ever. But aren’t you glad today that Jesus’ patience is greater than our lack of faith? Jesus reaches down for Peter just as He does for each of us whenever we struggle. His help for Peter looks different than the other guys; however, Jesus was there for them all. He helped them all. He provided for them when they were low on faith.
In Summary…
Today, be of good cheer – courageous – and do not be afraid. Jesus is with you, is in control, and is patient with you. In the midst of this incredible storm, Jesus cares, knows, and helps.Today, be of good cheer - courageous - and do not be afraid. Jesus is with you, is in control, and is patient with you. In the midst of this incredible storm, Jesus cares, knows, and helps. Click To Tweet
Just one other thought – the storm is not because God is angry or because you are not doing what you are supposed to be doing. You can be in the right place and doing the right thing and still be in a storm. Do not focus on the storm though. Instead, focus on what you are to be doing and the fact that Jesus is with you in the midst of it.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
