There is a Storm Brewing

In the accounts of Jesus walking on water, there was a strong wind that was creating a difficult journey for the disciples.  These were seasoned fishermen who knew the sea of Galilee well.  There is no sense in the passages that the disciples are afraid of the wind as they struggle against the oars.  Their fear comes when they see Jesus walking on the water.

So why is it that the Matthew passage points out that Peter started to sink when he saw the wind?  Obviously he had increased his vulnerability by stepping out of the boat.  He no longer had the protection of the fishing boat.  He had left the familiar and now was trusting in only Jesus to keep him safe.  His cry, "Lord, save me" is evidence that he knew where his safety resided.  I imagine he could have just as easily cried, "John, (or Andrew, Phillip, Judas) save me".  I mean, they were right there in a safe boat weren't they?  Perhaps they were even closer to Peter than the Lord was.

Peter sees the wind and cries out to the Lord for help.  Before stepping out of the boat he was well aware of the wind, but stepping out heightened the fear and need for a strong savior.

Stepping out in faith will not make things easier or safer.  But it will heighten the awareness of a need for a savior.

I knew twelve months ago that a storm was brewing in my life.  I felt the winds of change at Desert Hills.  It was obvious to me that with the coming of a new sr. pastor there would not be any financial possibility to keep me on full time as the Christian education pastor.  But trusting in God meant that I could head into the storm knowing things would be fine.  Sure, the wind is difficult to row against, but I am a seasoned child of God.  I have seen Him step in time after time to save me.  I am doing all I can to continue walking on the water.  But I am sure the journey will get more intense as I get further from the boat.

Right now I have my resume in at a couple of churches and with some secular opportunities as well.  The winds are getting stronger but my Lord is still there calling me to come to Him.  And although I know the situation will get worse before it gets better it is wonderful to know that I can cry out "LORD, save me!"