Wind And Waves

Title: Wind and Waves Here's an astounding statistic:
By the year 2020, depression will be the second largest killer--right after heart disease. The number of people (even children) who are sad, constantly in tears and feel they can't face another day is increasing. To them the world seems an unfair and scary place. They don't want to keep struggling day after day. Fifteen percent will take their own lives. You may be facing circumstances that have you discouraged or make you feel disillusioned with life. Oftentimes we, even Christians, allow our circumstances to impact our faith. We take our focus off the Lord and put it on our own situation. The apostle Peter did the same thing on one specific occasion recorded in the Book of Matthew. Let's see what happened to him. Receive Read this passage from Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV) and answer the following questions: "Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, 'It is a ghost!' and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.' "And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'" 1. Where was Jesus when the disciples and the boat departed for the other side of the lake? 2. When the disciples saw Jesus walking toward them on the waves, what did they think? 3. What was Jesus' response to their thoughts? 4. When he heard Jesus' voice, how did Peter react? 5. What caused Peter to become afraid as he walked towards Jesus? 6. When Peter suddenly became afraid, what did he begin to do? 7. How did Jesus help Peter? 8. Why did those in the boat say to Jesus, "Truly you are the Son of God"?


Reflect Like Peter you might be facing "winds and waves" that have weakened your faith. Today, many are facing foreclosures, diminishing 401K plans, job losses--all kinds of circumstances that cause fear and uncertainty. Where is God, might be the cry of your heart. Hebrews 13:5 promises that God "will never leave you nor forsake you." That doesn't mean, however, things will always turn out the way you'd like. Sometimes we're required to cling to our faith even while we endure difficulties and trials. In Hebrews 11, you can read about those who kept their faith--even in distressing circumstances. Hebrews 11:33,36-39 tells us, "Through faith ... others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated--of whom the world was not worthy--wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect." • What kinds of "winds and waves" are you facing? • How do you keep your eyes on Jesus, no matter what the circumstances? • How does your faith help you whatever happens? Respond Rejoice in the knowledge that if you love Jesus, your future includes heaven, and that while you may struggle here and now at times, Jesus is always with you. Rejoice that this life is just the blink of an eye compared to eternity. But keep that eye on Jesus rather than on whatever difficulties are causing your boat to rock furiously. By Woodrow Kroll