Are we distracted by the wind and the waves?

I seek to bring to your remembrance a favorite story from the Bible. Matthew says, “Jesus constrained the disciples to get into a ship and to go before him unto the other side, while he went up into a mountain apart to pray.” (Matthew 14: 22-23)

Let us notice that here the Son of God whose relationship with The Father was closer than most of us will have in this lifetime had a need to have time alone with Heavenly Father. Most likely he received instructions at that time about the work he was sent to do. He may have also been strengthened at that time for what was to come.

The thing I am suggesting here is that family prayer, prayer over our food, even silent prayers as we go about our activities are important, but we also need time alone with Heavenly Father. It is important that we gain that personal relationship with him alone that we may also receive direct instructions and guidance about the work we have to do. Because Jesus had such a close relationship with his Father part of that time might have been spent in expressing his gratitude for Heavenly Father’s love and guidance.

The story goes on to say that while Jesus is praying in the mountain the ship was getting tossed around at sea. When Jesus came to them he walked on the water toward them. At first they were afraid, but when he said, “It is I, be not afraid.”  Peter wanted to come out to meet him. Peter had faith but once he noticed the wind and the waves he began to sink.

We’ve all been there. We know that fear has no power unless we give it power and yet, our faith wavers. The best thing to do is to forgive yourself and carry on.