Come to the deep end of Faith

Reflections on Matthew 14:22-32

“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?” Matthew 14:29-31

I was a typical kid, just like any other, who desired different experiences in life. I wanted to do the same things my older brother and sister were doing, but I was told I wasn’t old enough. That may have been true, but I discovered in time they just didn’t want me hanging around with their friends. So I had to discover my own adventures In life.

One adventure I found delightful was the summer swimming classes. I would ride the school bus with other kids I met, making sure I stayed away from my siblings who were also on the same bus going to classes in their own age group. I discovered I liked to splash around, but I would sink when I should have floated and my legs were under me when they should have been behind me; so you guessed it, I didn’t develop a very good stroke. But the Dog Paddle, I had mastered.

The time arrived when my age group was to dive into the deep end. It was only 12 feet, but I guess too many movies I saw with shark attacks and whales turning over boats, that I just didn’t want to dive in. Until the instructor decided I needed a little help and pushed me in. I wasn’t ready for that and experienced a moment of drowning. Over the years I have tried to go into the deep end, but fear came back to me.

Years later, in my mid-40’s, I spent a week in a retreat center. I enjoyed the spiritual discipline of focused prayer. One night I passed a room that was dimly lite, the floor was blue like a swimming pool and a cross was in the center. I discovered this was the chapel, but the words came to my mind; “Don’t be afraid, come into the deep end.” I felt the invitation from our Lord, to trust in him by doing great things for others through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Peter was a bold disciple who wanted to please Jesus all of the time. When he saw Jesus walking on the water, he wanted to join him. The invitation was given and all was going well until he saw the wind and waves seeking to sink their boat. As he began to sink into the water, Jesus grabbed him and asked why his faith faltered? The problem Peter had was he took his eyes and attention off Jesus.

Have you desired to do great things for other people, through the power of the Holy Spirit? Then you need to keep your eyes focused on Jesus. When you notice that other people are benefiting in life by doing dishonorable means, you need to keep your eyes of faith focused on Jesus. When people speak ill things or accuse you falsely, you need to keep your eyes focused on Jesus. When you keep your eyes of faith focused on the Lord, he will walk with you daily and bring you into God’s Kingdom of eternal life. Come into the deep end with Jesus the water is fine.

Dear Lord, you know the problems and fears I have with people that know me. They will think less of me when I proclaim you as my Lord and Savior. Give me help to keep my faith focused on you, no matter what happens in this life; as you bring me to know God as my Father. Amen.