So much is going on in the news these days. It's easy to get discouraged and wonder where the Lord is in all of this.
Reading Matthew 14 today.
"Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Matt 14:25-31 (NIV)
Peter heard the call of the Lord to come, and he began to do the impossible. He walked on water.
The same thing that caused Peter to sink is what can cause us to be discouraged in these times. He saw the wind, he focused on the danger and perhaps the impossibility of what he was doing.
We cannot focus on both Jesus and his Word and all the negativity that surrounds us today. If you feel yourself sinking ask yourself this simple question, where is my focus?
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Phil 4:4-8(NIV)
Where is Jesus in all this? Near, as he always is. It is our focus that has changed, that is all.
Rising above all that is going on in the world can feel as impossible as walking on water. But with Jesus Christ in our life, and as our focus, we can do the impossible.
