Read Matthew Chapter 14:24-33
Is Your Place Of Security With Jesus Or Without?
While Jesus was on the mountain praying, the disciples were in the boat going to the other side. Vs 24 says that they were already many stadia away from the land and their boat was being battered by the waves. So how far is “many stadia” (1 stadia = 600 ft)? John 6:19 says they were about three to four miles from land.
Between 3:00 to 6:00 a.m., Jesus came walking on the water toward the disciples. When they saw him they were frightened, saying, “It’s a ghost!” And they cried out in fear.
Immediately, Jesus responded saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” The Greek word for fear is Phobos which can mean “exceedingly afraid.” Peter responded to Jesus saying, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come out to you on the water.” So Jesus said, “Come!” And Peter responded by getting out of the boat and walking toward Jesus. The closer he got to Jesus (his Hope), the further he got away from the boat (his security). So the further he got away from his security, the more afraid he became and as a result he began to sink. Fear can destroy our faith walk. In desperation, Peter called out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and took a hold of him and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When Peter and Jesus got into the boat, the wind stopped. Those in the boat began to worship Jesus saying, “Certainly, you are the Son of God!”
When all this started, the disciples were already fearful of the storm, but when Jesus showed up (to rescue them from the storm), they did not recognize him as the true Jesus who saves but as a ghost. Living in fear is powerful and destructive. Listening to the lies of the devil promotes fear and blinds our eyes to the work of Christ. Even when Jesus shows up our fear overrides the reality of the work of Jesus. Peter, in his boldness, was willing to believe that Jesus was present and wanted to have faith. So when Jesus told him to come to him walking on the water, Peter, by faith got out of the boat (his place of security which is actually a false security. The place of security is where Jesus is). But the further Peter got away from his place of security, the more he focused on his present circumstances, and as a result, the more afraid he became. It didn’t matter that he was getting closer to Jesus. Fear had victory. He began to sink. If fear reigns in our hearts and minds, our faith dies.
Peter, in his weakness, knew to call out to Jesus who immediately grabbed him and said “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
What are your circumstances? Where is your false security? If Jesus is calling you out of your place of security and into a new direction or location, then that should become your new place of security because that’s where Jesus is. So we need to quit going back to Egypt or back to what we called our security. Your place of security shouldn’t be what you are familiar with but should be where Jesus is calling You.
The best place to be is in God’s will. Yes, it can be scary, very scary because it’s new and different, but stay focused on Christ! Quit looking at the circumstances. Yes, it takes faith and not a magic wand. Walk toward Jesus in faith. Trust him! Don’t give up. Jesus is saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Perhaps you find yourself sinking daily, but keep calling out to him and he will be there to hold you and encourage you forward. Then, like the other disciples, you can rejoice and say, “Truly you are the son of God” while thanking and praising him.
