The sea was churning, and the wind blew hard in their faces. Beaten by the waves, the men had become weary. How their hearts must have fainted within them when they beheld a man coming toward them, walking on the water. But then, what words of comfort they heard: “Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27).
What happened next never ceases to amaze me. Peter, knowing it was the Lord, joined Him on the water. I’ve often marveled at Peter’s demonstration of faith, but even more, I’m amazed that he thought of the possibility of walking on the water. To be honest, I don’t think I would have.
In the midst of the churning sea, Peter stepped out of the boat. With his eyes fixed on his Lord, he began doing the impossible. What that must have been like! What was Peter thinking in those few moments? What did he feel? I can’t wait to ask him one day.
Yet, we know his walk was brief. Overcome by the sight of the roaring sea, he took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. In his fear, he cried out. But our gracious Lord, mighty to save, took him by the hand and led him to the boat.
How often do we feel the same? As though the wind is constantly against us, as if we’re being swallowed by the waves? Like Peter, it’s so easy to doubt, to take our eyes off of Jesus. Though I know our Lord is the One who tramples the waves of the seas, I struggle at times to keep my gaze upon his face. Sometimes I wonder which is easier: to trust the Lord’s ability to tame a raging sea- or to trust His ability to care for me.
And still, I know what happens when I cast my eyes on the cares and distractions of the world. Like Peter, I flail about, sinking quickly into the deep.
Helen Lemmel, writer of Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, likely knew this lesson as well. At the very least, I’m sure she was familiar with Peter’s story. She rightfully wrote:
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.”
What a simple but beautiful reminder. The things of this world, whether the shiny or the sorrowful, pale compared to all that we have in our Savior.
Where are your eyes fixed? Upon the sorrows of this world? Towards the glittering distractions? Or, upon the face of Christ? May He alone be our vision. And when He is, our cares, worries, and concerns – along with any earthly glory – will suddenly grow strangely dim. Like Peter, we will not sink, but will be led to safety by the hand of our Lord.
“To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us.” (Psalm 123:1-2).
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