Seeing Someone In The Storm

Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Matthew 14:27

IN ITS MOST COMMON FORM, fear is an internal warning mechanism that signals danger nearby and warns us that we had better do something about it. The intensity of our fear is often in direct proportion to the immediacy of the danger.

In the ancient Greek language, the word for fear meant “flight.” Think of pheasants being flushed from their nesting areas and taking flight because they have been frightened by the approaching danger of a hunter. Or think of a soldier in battle fleeing the enemy while under fire.

Simon Peter was fearful in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. He and his buddies were sailing across the sea, per Jesus’ request, when a tumultuous storm came raging upon them. The Gospels recorded the place (the Sea of Galilee), the time (the fourth watch of the night, 3:00–6:00 a.m.), and the conditions (a storm) to remind us that Jesus often comes when we need Him most.

Jesus’ words calmed their emotions and relieved their fear. Peter wanted more, asking to come to Jesus on the water. Though the water was dark and dangerous, that was where Jesus was, so that’s where Peter wanted to go for safety. It took courage to do that. For Peter’s fear to be relieved, he had to get out of the boat and go toward Jesus. The requirements have not changed. If you’re afraid—and we all are sometimes—take your fear to Jesus.

BOTTOM LINE

Courage gets us out of our boats. Faith holds us up. Walking on the water hinges on whether we focus on the Savior or on our storms.

Moment of Strength: Psalm 56:3