Read: Matthew 14:22-33 and John 16:33
I came across this picture years ago during a distressing season where fear threatened to overtake me. I thought of the famous water story involving the disciple, Peter. He had gotten out of the boat and walked ON the water toward Jesus, in the middle of a storm. But the story didn’t end with this triumphant accomplishment. Peter sank into trouble. He took his attention off Jesus and turned it on the wind and waves. Overcome with fear, he began to sink. Even then, Jesus held out His hand and lifted him up, returning with him to safety.
NOT TO BE CONSUMED BY MY FEAR
I always wanted to be like this lighthouse, standing tall and secure, resolute, despite the barrage of wind and waves. I wanted to be like Peter, focused on Jesus, not my circumstances, to walk ON the waves of life’s storms, not be consumed by my fear in the midst of them.
CAN I REALLY TRUST GOD?
In the years since, I have faced numerous storms. The story and lesson of this photo has provided encouragement through each one. But the sudden death of my son, Anthony, has been by far the worst one of my life. I have sunk to the greatest depths with more questions and desperation than I have ever known. There are no words to describe such deep sorrow. How could God allow this to happen? Hadn’t I already suffered enough in this life? WHY??? Can I really trust Him? Even now? Especially now.
WHEN FEAR OVERWHELMS ME
I don’t know all the answers, but I know Jesus. I’ve wrestled with him more than ever since Anthony died and went to Heaven. God is still faithful. I will choose to trust Him. I will keep giving my sorrows, questions, and battles to him. I will do my best to look to Him, stand tall, secure, and resolute, despite the barrage of wind and waves of grief. I’ve learned that Jesus is my peace and comfort in the storms. When fear overwhelms me, He holds out His hand to me, rescuing me from being consumed.
BRINGING A ROCK TO A SWORD FIGHT
Walking with Jesus doesn’t keep you or me FROM the storms of this life. He keeps us IN THE MIDST of them. (John 16:33) Walking with Him may feel like bringing a rock to a sword fight. It can be as scary as being thrown into a den of lions or a fiery furnace. My prayer for myself and you, is that we may rest in being God’s child, trusting Him even when it doesn’t make sense. He is with us always (Matthew 28:20) and will care for us and provide for our needs (Philippians 4:19). His mercies are new each morning (Lamentations 3:22-23)
What storms are you facing? Let him hold, comfort, and encourage you. Trust him as your Father, to figure out the details. Each one of us is God’s child. No matter how old we get, we can ALWAYS trust Him with the faith of a child.