KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE LORD AND YOU WON'T SINK

Proclamation:

"During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.  When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified.  ‘It's a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear.  But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I.  Don't be afraid.’ ‘Lord, if it's You,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to You on the water.’  ‘Come,’ He said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’  Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.  ‘You of little faith,’ He said, ‘why did you doubt?’  And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.  Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are The Son of God.’" Matthew 14:25-33 (NIV)

Explanation:

This historical event and the words of Jesus, The Christ, were witnessed and written by the Apostle Matthew.  Not only did Jesus walk on water, He had the power to allow Peter to also walk on the water.  Peter was doing fine looking toward Jesus, but when he took his eyes off of The Lord he began to sink.  As he was sinking he prayed a powerful short prayer, "Lord, save me!"  Jesus heard him and immediately caught him.  All those who saw what had happened worshipped Jesus saying, "Truly You are The Son of God."

Application:

Jesus has the power to grant us what we ask for.  As long as we keep our focus on Him, by His power, we can do what others think is impossible.  Our problems begin when we take our eyes off of Him and focus on what is going on around us.  That is when we start to sink into sin.  Our God is bigger and more powerful than our problems.  There is no need for us to ever doubt Him.  We just need to have faith, pray, and keep our focus on The Lord, and He will get us through whatever it is that we are facing.