Nobody likes change . . . except babies. They cry for change.
The rest of us like small degrees of change but never dramatic, earth-rocking shifts of pattern and routines.
With change comes fear, insecurity, sorrow, and stress. What’s the best solution? Hide and hope it all goes away? Never works. Change finds you.
It found the apostle Peter. He and his pals were sailing on calm waters when all of a sudden a storm hit. The winds changed. The waves rose. Not the kind of change a fisherman desires.
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” (Matthew 14:25–28)
When he saw Jesus walking on the water, Peter decided to get a little change of scenery, to abandon the ship, and to step out in faith on the water.
The change worked.
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. (v. 29)
It is possible to walk right over the storms of change. Peter proved it!
Unfortunately, one other thing changed Peter’s mind.
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (vv. 30–31).
Peter’s fear took over when his focus changed. When he saw Christ, he was strong. When he saw the storm, he wasn’t.
If only Peter had focused on Christ . . . Don’t be afraid.
If only Peter had trusted Jesus’ command . . . Come.
If only Peter had stayed faithful . . . Why doubt?
Peter could have walked right over that sea of change.
AS PETER SANK, HE CRIED OUT, “LORD, SAVE ME!” HE KNEW WHERE TO FIND HELP.
One thing to remember: As Peter sank, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” (v. 30). He knew where to find help.
And Jesus reached out his hand to catch Peter.
That’s another thing that never changes. Jesus is always there to pull us to safety.