The wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. . . Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand."
Matthew 14:24 -31 (The Message)
Recently, I re-watched the movie
Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. In one of the final scenes I held my breath as Indy took that big step of faith into an apparently bottomless canyon! The scene always reminds me of Peter walking out to Jesus on the wild waves. The Bible tells us that the boat was “battered by waves.” The sea was rough that night!
When I read these verses, I am Peter, full of boldness – after all, I had just helped feed thousands of people with just two fish and five loaves of bread! Jesus tells me to step out of the boat, so like Peter I step out in faith keeping my eyes on this Miracle Worker. But soon, I am distracted by the storm around me and take my eyes off Jesus. Suddenly, I am drowning, being pulled under rapidly, and can barely gasp out “Help!” Thankfully, Jesus does not hesitate. He is always there to save me (and you too).
Life events bring stormy seas. The terrifying waves are familiar, and invariably we need Jesus. For me, this week leading up to Mothers Day is tumultuous and not very pleasant. It has been seven years since my beloved mom went Home. But the waves are still rough, and there are days that I am sick from being tossed about in grief. Here is a picture of me and my mom, three months before she passed away.
