Walking on Water

How do we actually hold on to joy when storms come? The age-old question still remains today, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” I, like many others, have wrestled with this question. Suddenly, the calm becomes chaos, and frankly, we just don’t understand why.

However, instead of battling this question, we need to remember only ONE is good, and that is Jesus. In the Old and New Testaments, we see that no one is good, not even one, apart from God. Suddenly, when we remember the truths of God’s Word, our focus shifts back where it should be…on the Lord, instead of on our circumstances. We train our minds to come back to the calm in the chaos because HE is the Prince of Peace.

In the book of Matthew, Peter questions whether it is truly Jesus walking toward them on water, and then he requests to walk on water himself. In this beautiful story, we see so much of the goodness of God. Jesus is there with the disciples in the midst of the storm and tells them not to be afraid. Even when Peter doubts Jesus can do this miracle, Jesus still patiently bids him, “Come,” to be intimately IN the miracle - not just SEE the miracle.

Peter took the leap of faith and stepped out to go to Jesus and was experiencing a miracle - until the winds became worse. Then, in the brief moment he took his eyes off Jesus, he became afraid and began to sink. Thankfully, Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” to which Jesus reached out to rescue him, as He ALWAYS does. He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us. We can trust in Him because He is the only one who is truly always good.

Reflection

• When was the last time you asked the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Talk to God about it. Ask Him to show you how He is still in control and that He can be trusted.
• What are some things God has done to show you He is always there? Take time to write down all the ways you have seen the goodness of God.
• How can we encourage others around us to hold on to Jesus in difficult times? Commit to the Lord to be an encouragement to someone who needs to hear the hope they can have in Jesus.