We all know what it is like to step out in faith, full of initial courage, only to have the fierce winds of life suddenly knock the wind out of us. In today’s Daily Devotional for August 9, Keeping Your Eyes on the Savior, we look at Peter’s famous journey on the waves and the gentle, rescuing hand that catches us when we begin to sink.
Keeping Your Eyes on the Savior – Daily Devotional for August 9
“Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’” (Matthew 14:31)
The Danger of the Waves
Peter was always overflowing with impulsive courage. When he saw Jesus walking on the stormy sea, he called out, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” And when Jesus answered with a single word, “Come!”, Peter actually stepped out of the safety of the boat and walked on the water. For a brief, breathtaking moment, he was doing the impossible (Matthew 14:22-33).
But then reality set in. As soon as Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the raw strength of the wind, panic gripped his heart. He saw how high the waves were and how deep the sea, and instantly, he began to sink.
As long as his gaze was fixed on the Master, he defied natural laws. But the moment his focus shifted to his circumstances, fear paralyzed him. Yet, the beauty of the story is that Jesus does not wait for Peter to drown or figure it out on his own. The very second Peter cries out, “Lord, save me!”, Jesus stretches out His hand and catches him.
When our own eyes wander to the storms around us and we begin to slip under the weight of our anxiety, Christ is always right there to pull us back to safety.
Devotional for every day: Daily Devotional
Prayer for Today
Lord, I confess that I am so much like Peter. You call me to step out in faith, and for a while, I walk with You. But as soon as the fierce winds of difficulty and doubt blow against me, I look away from You and stare at the waves. Panic sets in, and I feel myself sinking. Forgive me for my wandering gaze. Thank You that You do not let me drown, but immediately reach out Your hand when I cry out. Hold me steady today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
To You
What “storm or strong wind” in your life is currently drawing your eyes away from Jesus; can you release your anxiety and reach out for His steady hand today?
