Keep Your Feet Above Water

He said, "Come ahead."

Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus.  But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink.  He cried, "Master save me!" 

Jesus didn't hesitate.  He reached down and grabbed his hand.  Then he said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?"

Matthew 14:29-30 Msg.

What surprises me the most out of this scripture is how quickly Peter began to sink.  I am amazed at the miracle he experiences, walking on water.  I am doubly amazed at his faith to believe that it was all possible but what really catches my eye is how quickly it all turns south.  Peter is the one who offered up this idea in the first place.  It was his suggestion that led to his stepping off of the boat that night.  He had enough faith to step out onto the water, in the middle of the sea, during a storm.  How did it take only a few steps before he was on his way to drowning?

Peter's faith was quickly faltered because he took his eyes off of Jesus.  Satan is so good at making our circumstances look way worse than they really are.  He can get into our minds and convince us of so many lies about the things we face and the future that lies ahead.  When we, for just one moment, look anywhere but at Jesus and His promises in our life, we run the risk of drowning in fear.  Satan can literally scare us into faithlessness and hopelessness within minutes if we aren't constantly focusing on Jesus' help in our situation.  

So if you are drowning in fear right now, stop looking at all the lies satan has planted in front of you and turn your face upwards to the One who has all the power and authority to save you from your circumstance.  Don't take your eyes off of Jesus for even one moment and run the risk of sinking.  Satan will take your problem and magnify it.  He will make things look worse than they really are, and steal your hope and joy!  Say no to satan and yes to Jesus!  Keep your head above water.  Look up to the promises that give you hope and joy and keep walking firmly and confidently in whatever situation you are dealt with.