Don’t Look at the Storm

One

The Storm

Christ’s miracles in the Scripture were astounding, but usually we see Him performing them on His own. Yes, He gave his disciples the authority to heal and cast out demons, but that action happens off-stage, as it were.

We hear about the disciples being sent out to preach and work wonders and we hear of them coming back very excited that they were actually able to do these miracles. But in the case of one of Jesus’ most remarkable miracles, walking on the water in the middle of the storm, there was one apostle who performed that miracle with Him.

 Peter said, “Lord, tell me to come to you on the water.”  And Jesus said, “Come.” Then Peter, this totally regular guy, good-hearted, but with some issues actually began to walk on the water. It must have been absolutely amazing.

But then something went wrong, and Peter began to sink. What happened? What did Peter do wrong?

Two

Initial Trust

It was an incredible act of trust that Peter exhibited out there on that boat. He said that if Jesus told him that he could walk on water, then that was good enough for him. He’d give it a try, never mind the awful death by drowning in the middle of a storm at sea.

Peter’s angle was, “if Jesus tells me to do it, that means I can do it.” And Jesus says, “Be perfect as my heavenly Father is perfect.” “Love God with your whole heart and soul and mind.” “Love your enemies, do good to those who persecute you.” 

So it’s time to stop saying that we’re not saints, that we don’t have what it takes. That nobody’s perfect. Jesus has told us to do this stuff. That means we can do it. So it’s time to start walking in the direction Christ has called us.

Three

The storm – what’s happening all around you

Now what is it, exactly, that messes Peter up? Why does he start to sink there, out in the middle of the water, out in the middle of the storm? He is walking, then suddenly, he’s sinking. The water supports him like a solid floor, and the next second it gives way right under him

Matthew’s gospel tells us that it was because Peter turned his focus from Christ to the storm, at the mess all around him.

So look, are you spending your time focused on the chaotic storms that are blowing all around you? Are you spending a lot of time looking at the dysfunction in our politics? Are you spending a lot of time looking at the dysfunction in our churches? Are you spending a lot of time looking at the dysfunction in the international scene? Are you spending a lot of time thinking about the dysfunction your extended family, or maybe even in your immediate family? Or even the mess within yourself?

Then let me tell you, if you are spending a big chunk of time focused on the storm, instead of keeping your focus on Christ and what He’s asking you to do then you are going to start sinking.

Four

What’s Your Trajectory/Goal

Remember what we’re down on this earth to do. We’re not down here to worry about the political, or economic, or ecclesial storms that blow here or there, this way or that. We’re not even fundamentally down here to wring our hands about every up and down our family members or friends experience.

We are here to get closer to Christ. That is what our life is for. He has called us to come to Him. And so we are supposed to come to Him. And we can do that in any weather, stormy or calm. Doesn’t matter what the winds of change are doing on all sides.

We can keep getting closer to Christ, progressing in virtue, in holiness, in prayer. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, until you reach the Lord. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters.

Five

Refocus on Christ

Peter stepped off that boat because He trusted Christ. He knew he could count on Christ. But he forgot about Christ’s power, Peter forgot that Christ was in control, when he started paying too much attention to the turbulence in the world around him.

If that starts happening to you, if you start to despair, get anxious, or feel like everything’s getting out of control, then do what Peter did. Cry out to Jesus and say, “Lord, save me!”

Remember this: the storm is a distraction from Jesus and what Jesus wants you to do. So, when you find yourself distracted by a storm turn your attention back to Jesus in prayer and get busy doing what He wants you to do. Do not pay attention to the storm. It’s just a distraction, nothing more.