Lessons in the Storm
But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 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? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.” (Matthew 14:24-32)
The disciples were on a ship during a storm in the middle of the night. They saw a figure. They thought it was a ghost. Yet it was Jesus! Then Peter boldly asked Jesus to let him walk on the water. Jesus said, “Come,” and Peter actually walked on water, until he got his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. Yet when he called for Jesus to help, the Lord helped him right away.
This story has many lessons, but here are just a few: First, if you know Jesus as Saviour, do not be afraid to take risks. Peter did that; the others did not. That does not mean taking unwise risks, but giving the Lord your best, even when it is uncomfortable.
Take witnessing, for instance. Jesus gave the Great Commission: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) He wants us to make a regular habit of telling others how to be saved, to “…shew forth his salvation from day to day.” (Psalm 96:2) Yet if you do that, you risk losing friends, co-workers avoiding you, and being labeled a fanatic. No one wants that; we all want to be liked. Yet what is more important, pleasing God or people?
Another lesson: our Christian life is more joyful when we serve the Lord. When Peter was on the water, he was getting a blessing. The others were just spectators. If your Christian life is just church once a week and occasional Bible reading and prayer, and you could be involved with reaching people with the gospel but you are not, please do not just be a spectator, hearing others talk about how God blesses their work. Be involved, and watch how He blesses yours.
A third lesson: keep your focus on the Lord: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;” (Hebrews 12:2) Peter was fine until “…he saw the wind boisterous,” He took his eyes off the Lord and onto the storm. It is easy to take our eyes off the Lord when “storms of life” come. Yet even when we do, the Lord is still with us and ready to help when we pray: “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)
If you would like to see from the Bible how to have your sins forgiven and a home in heaven, please go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links,” then “How Do I Go to Heaven?”
Brian Miller 7/8/2022
Cleveland Baptist Church 4431 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 216/671-2822