JESUS REACHES OUT HIS HAND to US

 Keyword REACH (verb): to stretch out, extend; to touch or grasp 

But when (Peter) saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him…

Matthew 14:30-31 NIV

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

It seems like Jesus had to say this often. So did almost every angel who greeted someone with a message from God. Hmmm. Seems like those of us who live with fear and anxiety are in good company.  

One of our relatable companions in this struggle is the disciple Peter.  

In this story, Jesus is walking on the water through a terrible storm toward his disciples in a boat. This has all the makings of a panic situation–an unexpected, dangerous storm with a ghost-like figure approaching.

Where is Jesus? Is that him? I’m not sure…

Peter and the other disciples become convinced that it is Jesus, and that he doesn’t seem one bit worried about the strong winds or the crashing waves. So Peter asks Jesus to call him to walk on the water too. When Jesus does, Peter gets out of the boat and begins to walk to Jesus. He is doing fine until he takes his eyes off of Jesus and focuses on the storm.

I’m trying to be brave, but these waves are so high. And this wind is out of control! Jesus, save me!

Jesus reaches out his hand to Peter and saves him from drowning. They both get into the boat, as Jesus calms the storm and Peter’s heart.

What just happened? That was terrifying.  I actually walked on the water for a few steps. But then I didn’t see Jesus anymore. I started going under, and Jesus had to catch me…

Sometimes we are so much like Peter.

A storm comes out of nowhere. The panic starts to rise. It looks and feels like we are going to be overtaken. We think we are going down. Is that Jesus coming toward us?

 It is Jesus!

Here he comes, reaching out his faithful, steady, loving hand. We can reach out of our fear for a moment and grab on to him. We can hold onto what we know of his faithfulness, his power, his goodness, and his truth. Even if the wind doesn’t stop and the waves start to pull us under, we don’t have to stay in the panic.

Jesus reaches out to catch us and save us every time. Through the voice of a friend, the perfect song, a breath of fresh air, the warmth of the sun, or one of the millions of creative ways that he knows will calm us. Whether the storm is short-lived or much longer than we ever thought it could be, we are safe because he is always right there–reaching out his hand and helping us back into the boat. With him.

Dear Jesus, I am so scared right now. I’m looking for you and calling your name. Please help me to see you coming toward me, reaching out your hand in comfort and strength. Thank you that nothing is too hard or too scary for you. I trust you to hold me through this storm and calm my heart. Amen.