Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" 
—Matthew 14:29-30


 After rowing all night, the disciples had only reached the middle of the sea. And now great waves had formed and heavy rains began to beat upon them. Suddenly, in the midst of the storm, they see a figure walking towards them on the water. Terrified, they cry out—but a calming voice answers them. "Don't be afraid," Jesus says. "It's only Me."  

Fear and faith are mutually exclusive.

Peter, ever the bold one, says, "If it is really You, Lord, then bid me to come to You." When Jesus tells him to come, Peter gets out of the ship and begins to walk across the water. But it is a short walk. Just a few steps into his journey, Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and puts them on the boisterous waves at his feet—and begins to sink.  


Overwhelming situations can cause us to take our eyes off of Jesus. When we do that, we often sink in despair. But if we are wise, like Peter, we remember to cry out to the only One with the power to help us, "Lord, save me!"  


Fear and faith are mutually exclusive. Faith cancels fear, and fear cancels faith. If you keep your eyes on Jesus, your faith will help you walk on water and overcome any difficulty life brings.  


Lord, teach us this day to keep our eyes on You. For those feeling overwhelmed, who fear they might be sinking, remind them of Your nearness, Your love, and Your willingness to save. In Jesus' name, amen.