Our world has been turned upside-down during the past few months. And it doesn’t look like it’s going to get better any time soon. We’ve had Covid-19, an election, a record breaking hurricane season, a record-breaking fire season, earthquakes, and that is just in the United States. Travel is difficult, our economy has suffered, and we’ve been shut up in our houses. Many have lost jobs, and businesses have gone under. Parents have had to decide between in-person learning or virtual learning. Working from home has been difficult.
There has been talk of returning to normal. But for many people there will never be a normal like it was before March of this year. In fact, the news I hear about the World Economic Forum meeting in 2021 is not good. Many powerful leaders are determined to have a great economic reset.
Chaos abounds. Many are depressed, struggling, and worried about what the future holds. My answer is, “Look up!”
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
Meanwhile the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshipped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
Matthew 14: 22-33 NLT
You have to love Peter. He was certainly passionate and impulsive. I noticed that he didn’t hesitate to get out of the boat. At first he was fine. It was when he took his eyes off of Jesus Christ that he began to sink. I believe that keeping our eyes on Jesus will get us through anything that comes our way. And I’m glad that when we take our eyes off of Him and see the storm around us, He is always there to rescue us when we start to sink. There is a beautiful hymn written by Helen Howarth Lemmel.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His beautiful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
We need to keep looking up. We need to keep our focus on Jesus Christ our Savior. God is on His throne. His plan will be carried out. Look up, for Jesus will be coming soon for His church.
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