Under The Waves

“And when the disciples saw him (Jesus) walking on the sea, they were troubled...But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me to come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”
Matthew 14:26-30

I have never walked on water, but many times I have skimmed across the water in my kayak. When the spray skirt is on, the kayak is very watertight. I was paddling out into the ocean on a windy day and a large wave rolled over my chest. The next wave crashed on the bow of the kayak and pulled the spray skirt off and partially filled the kayak with water. I quickly turned and paddled back to shore as fast as was humanly possible. I vividly remember asking the Lord for His help and protection. The kayak did not capsize but was barely above water when I made it to shore. I was cold, shaken, and thankful to be back on the beach.

So often we are like Peter and take a step of faith. Then we become distracted or disoriented and take our eyes off of the Lord and stumble. We begin to drown in a sea of unbelief as we forget that the Master says, Be not afraid, it is I. Christ is always waiting to pick us up as we struggle through the storms of life. Don’t ever doubt that He is able to safely carry you when you feel like you are in over your head.

Kirk Piccott, Principal
First Baptist Academy