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| Image from Pinterest by: A Modern Day Ruth |
We all need a rescue at one time or another. Stranded with car troubles. Navigating changes in health. Relationships are complicated. Work can be challenging. Young children can be exhausting. Parents are aging. Life will have storms.
Yes. We all need a rescue some time. We all encounter seasons it feels like we are out in a boat in the middle of a raging storm, and we are not even sure how we missed the signs a storm was coming. That happened to Jesus disciples, too. (Matthew 14:22-33)
The disciples were out in a boat, when a storm surprised them. Many of them were seasoned sailors, but they missed the signs... or the storm blew in that fast.
Waves slapping the boat and the strong wind rolling the waves. The seasoned fishermen were scared. To make it worse, they see an image of something or someone gliding toward them on the water. They imagine a ghost and go from scared to terrified.
"But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!" -Matthew 14:27
Note that he says, "I AM here." He doesn't give his name, or does he?
Bold, impetuous Peter says, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” (vs.28)
Oh Peter... gotta love him! “Yes, come,” Jesus said. (vs.29)
Now, Peter had the choice to step out in faith or back down from the challenge. Peter was not one to back down from a challenge he put in place.
I love noting that Peter knew exactly who Jesus was when he said, "Don't be afraid. Take courage. I am here!" This God-man could surely walk on water.
Peter has his moment of doubt after he is out of the boat. Don't we all. Many condemn Peter for this, but I once heard a sermon that reminded us that in a boat of disciples, Peter was the only one who got out of the boat that night in a step of faith and trust. The others waited for Jesus to make his way to them.
Jesus and Peter made their way to the boat, and he calmed the storm. First, he calmed their fears by his presence.
In this image from "A Modern Day Ruth", the creator personalized it by changing the "he" to a "she". We can, also, insert our own names.
When my sweet niece, Kenzie was little, her perception of the world held childlike wisdom. She wasn't a big talker, but when she spoke, you had better listen. When she faced adversity, she would simply state, "I've got troubles." She would admit she needed help in that simple statement.
She trusted and expected a rescue. There are times she is still wise beyond her years.
Do we trust the one who loves us enough to die for us with a rescue?
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. -Psalm 91:14
Today, I am grateful for a rescue.
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