When We Walk On Water

Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out " Lord,save me." Matthew 14:29-30

The other day while driving home I saw two cars within a miles radius stalled at the side of the highway. It was a humid saltry day in Jersey and it was apparent they couldn't handle the heat. They shut down, stalled out and could not function.

I couldn't help but ask myself, " What happens when I face difficulties, tough times and overhwelming circumstances?" Do I heat up, get angry and shut down? Do I melt down and turn away from Christ? What words come out of my mouth in the midst of my overwhelming circumstances? Is it praise or profanity?

Sometimes, in the midst of our struggles the glow of Jesus robe is beyond our sight. Our sight works against us as we look around, like Peter and only see the obstacles. We feel the weight of our burdens. We wonder, doubt and live in unbelief. The power in God's hands becomes beyond our understanding and it should not be.

This should be the time of faith, blind faith. Faith that says, " I don't have the answer but God does." We can not overcome our tough times by measuring the depths of the waves or the power by which they roll. This sense of drowning allows our problems to swell above our heads. Overwhelmed, lost and afraid we shut down.

Does it sometimes feel like God has you in the school of suffering? I know hard times are usually not thought of as good times but our greatest growth often comes from our deepest sorrows. Our Father knows just how much heat to apply to turn our imperfections into perfections. I have refind you in the furnace of suffering. Isaiah 48:10.

Let us not run from our afflictions but embrace the fire that destroys the qualities that God chooses to remove. Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and affliction for drink, He will still be with you to teach you. Isaiah 30:20.

When the Lord calls you to walk on water have faith and walk. Never look away. Eyes forward, hands held high and a heart that reaches out to Jesus.

Father,

The waves are rising
Above my head.
I'm trying to claim
All that You said.

I'm embracing the fire
And rejoicing in the the pain.
My lips will praise You
Inspite of the rain.

I'll trust in You
And all that You've done.
You've called me your child.
The battle is won.

Brad McGill
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