When You Feel Like You’re Going Under
When the winds of life are blowing out of control, it’s difficult to see beyond what lies directly ahead. Sometimes the trials that loom seem insurmountable. I’ve seen my share of wind and waves, and I know what it’s like to be knocked down and feel like you are nearly drowning by the heaviness of life. Life is full of difficult seasons. Some are long and some are short, but one thing we all have in common is that we all have times when we struggle through stormy seasons.
I don’t know about you, but when it comes to storms and trials I’m so much like Peter. I start out determined to have faith. I want to take big strides toward God and make it known that I love Him fearlessly. I would like to imagine that I would have been the one who ran to the edge of the boat and stepped out on the water.
When I take the first step, I’m amazed and in awe of God and His power. I notice the way He controls my life and carries me through the difficult stuff. But then there comes a point when a wave begins to make me feel unsteady. I feel the impact of the next wave and then I look. When I see the tide rolling faster toward me and feel the wind against my face, I’m bombarded by fear and nearly taken down. In that final moment I look to the Lord and cry out like Peter, “Lord, save me!”
When Peter stepped out of the boat he started out with the right motive and heart’s desire – to get to Jesus. When He saw the wind, the waves, and the water, he panicked. Just like you and just like me, panic struck his mind. His eyes became focused on the sea, and He immediately forgot about the Savior.
And then he heard the words, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
It’s like a punch in the gut. I don’t mean to doubt. In the depths of my heart I would like to think I don’t truly doubt, oh but I do. Just like Peter I focus on the sea, and forget everything I know to be true.
What I really want is to run to the side of the boat, step out on the water, and walk all the way to Jesus. I want to get all the way to Him without stopping for a season of worry or fear.
Peter took a huge leap of faith when he took the first step. I believe He had faith, but somewhere between the second step and Jesus, Peter forgot why he stepped out of the boat. I do the same thing. I take a step, and I forget. I get sidetracked by obstacles and wind, and I begin to worry and sink. I want to be with Jesus and rest safe in His arms, but with so many waves coming from every direction it’s really difficult not to get side tracked and taken under.
I don’t know what is taking you down this week, but I know this – Jesus controls the wind, the waves, and the water. He’s with you in the sea that seems to be out of control, and He knows every wave that nearly takes you down.
So what do we do in the midst of the stormy sea:
1. Look to Jesus.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2(NASB)
2. Don’t panic.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27(ESV)
3. Rest in His embrace.
Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. Psalm 116:7(ESV)
When I remember what God has done in the past it’s easy to step out of the boat. What has God done for you in your life?
Maybe you’re in the midst of the sea right now. Just remember – The waves of the sea may never completely calm down, but the Savior can completely calm you down. Look to Him. Don’t panic. Rest in His sweet embrace.
It’s time to run to the side of the boat and get all the way to Jesus.
Love & Blessings,
Micah