Fear - By Pastor Benjamin Hardee

Dawn was approaching. They had been out since dusk in the fishing rig. A howling wind had sent waves against the boat like a tormenter at the door. Aboard were 12 young men.

It must have been a long night . . . in the dark surrounded by mist and storm. It must have been one of those nights when you begin to give up on sleep.

“It’s a ghost!” they all screamed as they saw a man walking across the water towards them.  

But it was no ghost, it was the Son of Man. “Don’t be afraid” He said to them.

How embarrassing, a dozen grown men screaming “ghost” at Jesus.

Peter said, “Jesus if it is you, tell me to come out to You.”

“Come!” Jesus said.

Peter stood supported on the water. Firm and sturdily he walked to Jesus until he began to notice how windy it was and how the storm was still blowing. He had taken his eyes off Jesus and he sank like a man in quicksand.

This is the problem we have. We are often quick to notice Jesus doing the miraculous, but when we hear the wind of family conflict, or the blowing away of our financial security or the storms of cancer, we take our eyes off of Jesus.  It is not long before we are sinking into disbelief. Do not let your fears keep you from continuing to trust in Jesus.

No matter what blows your way do not take your eyes off of Him. “Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

(See Matthew 14:22-33 for the rest of the story.)