Last night as I was going to sleep, I was thinking about the events of yesterday and the unbelievable turmoil our country is facing. The unprecedented violence that took place in the capital, shook us all! But as I am laying there, God brought to mind Peter and the storm.

Peter and the disciples were in a boat on the sea of Galilee when a storm broke out. The book of Matthew records that Jesus had went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Shortly before dawn, the disciples were in their boat on the sea, Jesus started walking out to them, walking on the water. The disciples could see someone coming towards them on the water and they were afraid. They thought he was a ghost. But Jesus said to them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Peter called out to Jesus, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus called him to come.  The next part is truly remarkable. Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus!

Now, the bible doesn’t say how far away Jesus was when Peter got out of the boat. But he was enough of a distance, that they didn’t recognize him until he called out to them. Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water. But when Peter saw the wind, he lost his focus, and he took his eyes off Jesus. That is when Peter began to sink. In fear he cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith, he said, why did you doubt?” Now, close your eyes, and picture the scene in your mind. Peter got out of the boat in faith and walked on the water! Only when he allowed his focus to move from Jesus to the storm that was around him, did he begin to sink.

I have lost focus within the storm many times! I know I am to put my faith and trust in Jesus, but my fear overwhelms me, and I go running off, trying to find my own solutions to my problem. In the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 20, King Jehoshaphat, faced a vast army that was coming against his people. The bible says that he didn’t consult with his generals or draw up plans for war, he turned to God and he and his people fasted and prayed together. Then God said to him, “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel.  You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”

The Lord knows your fears and he can see the storm, the enemy that is coming up against you today. Take heart and do not be discouraged! Don’t allow the sound of the wind to pull your eyes off of Jesus. Don’t let the approaching army fill your heart with fear and dread. Look to Jesus…hear him as he calls to you and step out of your boat and walk towards him!