"Grab Your Life Jacket!"
- Rita Larson
- May 31, 2023
- 3 min read
I remember being out on a boat, moving from one marina to another, while still relatively new to navigating the water. The trip took longer than anticipated, it got dark, and suddenly the wind and waves kicked up out of nowhere. Next, we get the alert that there is a small craft advisory. We were able to find a marina, and fighting the winds, tie off our boat to wait out the storm. While out on the water and being tossed around, it was scary! I remember praying to God for safety, but the other thing I made sure I did, was put on my life jacket! Reality is, I was filled with fear and doubt crept in as I questioned how we would get out of the storm. At least with my life jacket on, I knew I wouldn't sink if we capsized!
We often ask ourselves, “Why did I doubt?” - a question Jesus asked Peter after he stepped out of the boat to walk on the water (Matthew 14:22-33). Peter’s faith was so strong that he had the courage to do the impossible - walk on water! But he began to sink when his attention shifted from Jesus and onto the circumstances around him. This is something that many of us can relate to. When our faith is challenged, it’s easy to focus on our problems, worry, and begin to doubt.
We can learn from this that we need to trust and believe in God’s promises, even when we don’t have all the answers. As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” We must remember to look to God for the answers and keep trusting and believing in Him, even when our faith is challenged.
Sometimes we put distance between us and God, making it difficult for us to rely on Him. The more we make decisions that distance us from God, the less real He is to us. When we are honest with ourselves and humbly ask for His forgiveness, we can receive His grace, reignite the fire of revival within us, and experience His love and presence in our lives again. When we fall short and knowingly allow sin in our lives, we need to repent, confess our sins, and recommit ourselves to our Lord. As it says in 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
The story of Peter walking on the water and sinking reminds us to have faith in God and trust in Him, no matter what our circumstances. We must remember to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and not on our problems, worries, and doubts. When we begin to doubt the Lord and focus on our own issues, we can quickly become overwhelmed and start to sink. Instead, we need to take a step back, refocus, and trust in the Lord.
Doubt can feel like sinking in deep water, but our faith in Jesus is a life jacket that keeps us afloat. Just as Peter was able to walk on water when he trusted in Jesus, we can rise above our doubts and fears when we have faith in Him. Like a life jacket that provides buoyancy and support, our faith is a strong foundation that keeps us from sinking. Without it, we may struggle to stay afloat, but with it, we can confidently navigate the storms of life. Grab hold of Jesus! He is our life jacket! ©Rita Larson 5/31/2023
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