One of the local news stations enlists the aid of viewers to be "storm watchers." They will inform the media (literally) when weather events occur. Mind you, "sunny day" doesn't qualify. No, it's those harsh events, those snow storms and hurricanes and such. Good work if you can get it, I guess.
In a sense, we're all storm watchers. Remember the story of Jesus walking on the water (Matt 14:22-33)? Jesus's disciples were struggling through a storm, and Jesus walked out to them. They thought it was a ghost, but Jesus identified Himself. So Peter said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water" (Matt 14:28). And He did. And the text says, "So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus" (Matt 14:29). Peter ... walked on water. Of course, Peter doesn't get the same press that Jesus did because, in the very next verse, it says, "But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.'" (Matt 14:30). Peter walked on water -- a spectacular miracle -- and then ... didn't. Why? Because Peter became a storm watcher. Peter (wisely, some would say) saw the dangers and (reasonably, some would say) became afraid. Never mind that he was walking on water. Never mind that Jesus was right there with him. The dangers were real and immediate and he began to sink.
Ask anyone, "Who in history ever walked on water?" and they're obviously going to answer, "Jesus" and not "Peter." Why? Peter sank. And we do the same thing -- we storm watchers. We walk in the Spirit -- walk with the Lord. We know His abilities and intentions. We know that all things work together for good and we know He is always with us. There is nothing He cannot handle. And, yet, we look into the very real storm and panic instead of ... obeying (Php 4:6-8). Instead of trusting. Instead of marveling at His work as we watch. Nope! We watch the storm. We fear the circumstances rather than trust the Creator. Maybe we need to reevaluate that practice.
2 comments:
One of the nice things about that event though, was that even though Peter's faith waivered in the storm, Christ still saved him. Yes, as long as we keep our eyes on Christ, we can weather the storm, but even when we become storm watchers, we have His hand ready to steady us.
This is a practical and relevant reminder. While some believers can be naively unaware of the dangers all around them, others are overly focused on the inevitable tribulation to the point of panic--and sinking. How we weather the inevitable turbulence in our lives and in this world--i.e. whether we are fortified and trusting in the Lord for safety and deliverance or distracted and subsequently overwhelmed--will be based on our focus and source of strength. The encouragement to “keep your eyes on Jesus” is usually applied in this scenario, and even if a bit clichéd, it is a trustworthy saying. As you often remind us, “He’s got this.”
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