Matthew 14 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Yeshua. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, ‘L-rd, save me!’ Immediately Yeshua reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.Then those in the boat worshiped Him and said, ‘Truly, You are the Son of G-d!’” Matthew 14:29-33

It’s May 8, 1990. I’m sitting in my ’75 Corvette,listening to a sermon on cassette titled: “The Crisis of Decision.” If I turned right I would go home to a lucrative summer job, under the blessing of a full-ride track scholarship; turn left and I would follow the L-rd’s call on my life, into the uncertain world of the music business. I turned left. I stepped out of the boat, so to speak.Just like that, I made a step of faith. It didn't hurt at all…matter of fact, it felt kinda warm & fuzzy.

3 months later, things weren't looking so good. I didn't have any money, or apparently enough r.e.m. sleep to make my Rock & Roll dreams come true. I panicked and started doubting if I had really heard from G-d.I began making decisions without seeking the L-rd, trying to get back to the smooth college life I had so cavalierly abandoned. I was sinking fast…and everyone around me was watching.

Whenever you choose to follow the L-rd, there’s always a boat load of onlookers. You've got to hand it to Peter…he had enough faith to step out, while the others were hugging life jackets! He took a few steps, but like the rest of us, Peter took his focus off Yeshua and began sinking. I like Yeshua’s response, reaching out His hand and adding, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

In chapter 8, Yeshua had rebuked His disciples for waking Him during a stormy boat ride. It seems Peter attained some faith from that lesson, because this time, Peter braved his fears and stepped out of the boat in the midst of the storm. The moment Peter called out, Yeshua gave support. Interestingly, the wind & waves didn't cease until they got back in the boat.

Have you stepped out in faith, only to find yourself weaker than you hoped? Call out to Yeshua and He will support you. The storm may not stop automatically, but He will deliver you safely back to the boat.When you arrive back safely, everyone in the boat will worship the L-rd with you… encouraged by how the L-rd supported you in your faithful response to His call!

Blessings.

~Steve Wiggins, Assistant Rabbi
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Friday, May 3, 2013

 




 

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