Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
February 24, 2022
Read Matthew 14:22-33
22 Right then, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side of the lake while he dismissed the crowds. 23 When he sent them away, he went up onto a mountain by himself to pray. Evening came and he was alone. 24 Meanwhile, the boat, fighting a strong headwind, was being battered by the waves and was already far away from land. 25 Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified and said, “It’s a ghost!” They were so frightened they screamed. 27 Just then Jesus spoke to them, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” 28 Peter replied, “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.” 29 And Jesus said, “Come.” Then Peter got out of the boat and was walking on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, “Lord, rescue me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him, saying, “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind settled down. 33 Then those in the boat worshipped Jesus and said, “You must be God’s Son!”
Good Morning! Keep yourself focused on Jesus!
Today is another opportunity to praise God. Thanks be to God who grants us another day to walk upon this earth and share God’s love with all we meet.
Have you ever realized that sometimes that you are focused on the wrong thing? I remember years ago when I was asked to record one of my son’s soccer games by the team’s coach. At the end of the game, I realized that I was so busy focusing on the ball and capturing the ball movement that I had no idea what happened in the game. I certainly didn’t see my son, nor did I even know who won the game.
Peter was a bit brazen as he tested Jesus. Lord, ask me to walk to you. Now Jesus could have dismissed this notion, but he decided to use this as a teachable moment, so he asks Peter to walk to him. You have to give Peter credit for stepping out of the boat and taking those first timid steps.
Think of all those videos of babies taking their first steps. They are working so hard, focusing on every moment, and then they suddenly realize what they are doing and they lose focus in the “celebration”, and down they fall. We, as parents, laugh and the baby gets up and continues working on this new thing until he/she masters it. Amazing!
Like the babies we watch as they learn to walk, Peter starts out with great focus. He is focused on Christ, but then he is distracted by the wind, and perhaps the realization of what he is doing hits him, and down he begins to sink. Yes, at that moment, he loses faith, but what if we focus on the amazing faith that he showed by just stepping out of the boat.
After all, Peter, like us, is human and he is new to this faith business. Peter will be tested many times as he continues on his faith journey. As we know, he will encounter more failures, but with each failure, he learns and grows as he gets closer to his victory in Jesus. We, too, encounter times when we lose focus on the one who saves us, but like Peter, Jesus will be there to help us take our next step so that we may join the fellowship of believers at the heavenly banquet table.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. We often fail to stay focused, but with your love and grace, we will continue to try. Thank you for your unending love to guide us along our way. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Do I focus on the storm or the One who can calm the storm?
Focus on the Love! Pastor Liz
dedicated to my friend, Elsie!
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