Water, in its vast expanse and unpredictability, often serves as a poignant metaphor for the challenges and uncertainties of life. I know that can sound a bit wordy, but it is no less true, so let's unpack it a bit. Whether there is a storm raging or not, the slightest movement causes water to move and take on different shapes. Our life, with all the thousands of tiny differences that occur from one day to the next, fluctuates and flows like water. It is anything but a solid foundation. It's no wonder why the vast majority of the world feels as though it takes all of their efforts just to stay afloat. Truthfully, their efforts might better be described as attempting to swim while barely keeping their head above the water. When a storm actually does descend, their true desperation begins to show, with a violent struggle to regain the painful equilibrium they once managed instead of this newfound disaster.
The missing ingredient in all of this is stability. Many seek to foster stability through money. With enough money, you can melt away all your problems; you can eat what you want, live where you want, and buy what you want. Any new wave or strong gale that would blow, you can toss money at it. You can pay others to deal with all of your problems. But money isn't stability, nor the answer to the weariness you feel in your heart brought on by a lifetime of brokenness and struggle. Sadly, and often, it takes someone acquiring money to realize that it isn't the answer. Many await a financial windfall, pinning their dreams and prayers on it. With enough money then they can relax cause then they don't have to be concerned from day to day and month to month about all the finical drains that come with living.
They mistakenly place hope in money for a brighter future, rather than finding hope in Christ for a better today. Rather your Bank account reads 0 or in the millions, you can know today, that your bills are paid, that your body is well, and that your family is protected. You can have a peace that passes understanding, a joy that surpasses expression, and a foundation more stable than the ground underneath your feet.
Money can't buy you peace, joy, or meaning. Billionaires would give away their entire fortune at the end of their lives just for another year to live, whether they come to old age or an incurable illness. They'd give every dime they had to save a loved one, who died prematurely. They use their money to distract themselves from the painful truth, cause it can't fix the real problem. Money isn't the solution, nor is it the problem, only a tool. There is one answer to this life of constant fluctuations.
Faith in God.
We were never meant to swim, struggle, and fight violently for our next breath. We were meant to walk above it all.
"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!'" - Matthew 14:28-30 (NIV)
With every step that Peter took towards Christ, he was doing what the world would consider impossible. He was walking on water. He found stability where there was none. He found the strength to press on when there seemed no way to do so. He left the rest of his peers on the boat. He walked the way Jesus did, by faith. He placed his stability on the word of God. Because even though the water was changing every millisecond into a new pattern, the word of God that beckoned him onto the water remained constant, immovable, and unshakable.
He walked as we are to walk:
By Faith.
This is not a theme the Bible was quiet about:
"...this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith." -1 John 5:4
"...The just shall live by faith." -Romans 1:17
"Now the just shall live by faith." -Hebrews 10:38
"...the just shall live by his faith." -Habakkuk 2:4
"...The just shall live by faith." -Galatians 3:11
"...For we walk by faith, not by sight." -2 Corinthians 5:7
Your life will forever be evolving and changing. Your joy, your peace, your self-worth, your purpose, and your attitude doesn't have to, though. We were never meant to thrash, grapple, and gasp for breath amidst life's challenges.
We were meant to trust in the Lord and be like a tree planted by water:
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV): "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
We were meant to trust in God and make Him the anchor for our souls:
Hebrews 6:17-19 (NIV) Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
We were meant to build our Lives upon His Word:
Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV): "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."
Faith in God is the answer you've been looking for. So, where do you begin to start living by faith?
Take the first step out of the boat like Peter did, forget what everyone on the boat is saying or thinking about you, and fix your eyes on Jesus. Don't live your life to please others; live your life to please Jesus. Go to the last thing you felt He said to you, and do it. It may be tithing, getting up early, showing up to work on time, holding down a job, or volunteering at church. The first step of faith is often a lot less dramatic but no less significant. Eventually, there will be a time, or better yet, an opportunity, for you to step out onto the waters of impossibility; I pray you take that step!
The next thing to focus on is Jesus. There is a fight to be had: the Fight of Faith. It's not a struggle to stay afloat, nor is it a battle to repel the storm with vigor. Instead, it's a fight to keep your eyes on Jesus, to concentrate on the Word of God, and to trust Him regardless of the chaos surrounding you. That's your challenge.
You might feel symptoms in your body, roaring like the wind or waves crashing so violently that your own thoughts are drowned out. Perhaps you see a massive wave of doubt approaching, whispering, "Not this time. God might have been there for you before, you might have stood firm, but not now. Do you see the magnitude of this challenge? There's no way you can withstand it." From afar, you might hear voices from the boat yelling, "Come back! You can't maintain this path; return to safety!"
But no matter what, don't glance back, disregard the howling wind, and overlook the impending wave. Focus entirely on the Word of God. When Peter's gaze was set on Jesus, he accomplished the unimaginable. However, the instant he noticed the storm around him, doubt crept in. Similarly, when we divert our attention from God to our challenges, we begin to falter. Always keep your eyes on Him.
And finally, realize the character of whom you are trusting. Even when you mess up, there's an immediate rescue that takes place. Even when Peter began to drown in his doubt, he knew where to turn. His cry, "Lord, save me!" is a heartfelt plea we can all resonate with. And Jesus, in His boundless mercy, was quick to save. Remember, no matter how deep you sink, a sincere call to Jesus can lift you up.
"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." - Psalm 34:17 (NIV)
Friends, storms are an inevitable part of our journey. They can be tumultuous and terrifying. But take heart in the fact that amidst these storms stands Jesus, inviting us to step out in faith, to defy the odds, to walk on water.
Today, let Peter’s walk inspire you. Be bold, take that step, focus on Jesus, and always remember, even in your weakest moments, His hand is extended, ready to rescue. Stay steadfast, for with Christ, we can overcome even the fiercest of storms.
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