While reading my chronological Bible recently, I was struck by the account of the night Jesus walked on water (found in Matthew 14, Mark 6, & John 6). Previous to this event was the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus then sent the disciples on while he dismissed the crowds and went up a mountainside to pray. Later, after dark, having rowed 3 or 3 1/2 miles the disciples saw someone...a ghost?...no, Jesus, approaching the boat.
What stood out to me was Jesus' response at each turn of events and emotions. As the disciples were straining at the oars because the wind was against them, Jesus went to them. When they were terrified of the unknown (seeing a man walking on the water), Jesus reassured them saying, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." When Peter doubts and says, Lord if it is you," Jesus simply says, "Come." And when Peter steps toward Him but begins to sink, Jesus immediately "reached out his hand and caught him". Even when Jesus rebukes Peter for his lack of faith and doubting, they are able to hear the love behind his words and respond by worshiping him, saying "Truly you are the Son of God."
The stage that has been set for the disciples that evening isn't just the miracle of feeding the five thousand earlier that day; it's the relationship they've had with Jesus and the trust they have built. Even so, their humanity causes them to strain, to fear, to doubt, and even to sink. We can relate.
This Thanksgiving season, I am thankful that when I am straining because "the winds" seem to be against me, Jesus comes to me. When I fear the unknown, Jesus reassures me and calms my fears. When I doubt, Jesus simply invites me to come. And when I begin to sink, Jesus immediately reaches out and catches me. My response needs to be to worship Him and continue to build that relationship so that when adversity comes my way, I will more easily know where to turn...I will lift up my eyes.
This is a time tested truth from the pen of David...
Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
...to the songs of today
Bebo Norman -- "I Will Lift My Eyes"
I will lift my eyes to the Maker
of the mountains I can't climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
of the oceans raging wild
(Just tap on this link to listen) www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te0hy2YcLgg