Suggested Scripture reading – Matthew 14:22 -31
It had been a long drive for the missionary. He was visiting supporting churches and was scheduled to speak at a church on the eastern shore of Maryland the next day. He had driven several hundred miles and was looking forward to the end of his trip. Problem was that between him and his destination was the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It was a beautiful suspension bridge that connects the flatland of the eastern peninsula of Maryland with the urban areas of Baltimore and Washington DC. He was not worried about the obstacle. He had often crossed such bridges in his travels. It was only about 5 miles long and would put him only minutes away from friends and rest. As he started across he noticed that toward the midsection of the bridge the roadway began to rise quickly. It seemed like he was going up and up into the clouds. His mistake was to glance to the side and look down. He was really high up. Being tired from the drive be began to experience some sort of vertigo. The lane he was in seemed to narrow and the sides of the bridge appeared to close in on him. All he could think about was how not to drive off the side into the expanse beyond. He could not stop in the middle of traffic. He had to keep going. All he could do was to focus his eyes on the lane ahead. He kept repeating to himself, “Keep it between the lines!” For what seemed like hours he concentrated on the lines in the lane. Soon, however, he was over the top and with a hearty sigh of relief he rolled off the other side safely. He came out of a scary place by keeping his eyes on the things place there for his safety.
Jesus sent His disciples across the Sea of Galilee while he went to pray. Later a storm blew up and they were struggling to make shore safely. “And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.” (Matthew 14:25) When Peter saw Jesus on the sea his first reaction was to go to him. He said, “Bid me come unto thee on the water. And He [Jesus] said Come.” (vs. 28-29) Peter stepped out on the water and began to walk to Jesus! He was so thrilled to see Jesus he did not notice the waves at first but as he put distance between himself and the boat he began to be distracted by the waves and the wind. “When he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” (vs. 30) Jesus reached out his hand to him and brought him safely to the boat.
Both our missionary and Peter grew fearful when they found themselves in a dangerous place. They found safety by keeping their eyes on that which could save them. The missionary had to focus on the lines on the road. They were placed there to keep him from driving off the edge. Peter had to keep his eyes on Jesus. When he began to focus on his problems and the dangers he became afraid. Dangers and problems come to us every day. As we focus on the problems we fail to look to Him who delivers us from danger. He loves us and keeps us safe.
Lets keep our eyes on Jesus and trust Him.
Hebrews 13:5b-6
“For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
