1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
One of my desires this summer was to watch all three seasons of “The Chosen.” One of the most moving scenes to me occurred at the end of season three [spoiler alert]. Based on Matthew 14, a furious storm descends upon the disciples at sea. The wind and waves threaten to capsize their small boat when they see a figure walking on the raging waters. “It’s a ghost!” they cry out in terror.
But Jesus calls out to them not to be afraid, it’s him.
The tumultuous storm seemed to reflect Peter’s inner disposition. He’s angry and disappointed, confused as to why Jesus is allowing pain and disappointment to come to his followers. Doubt has overtaken him and he yells over the storm, “If it’s really you, tell me to come to you on the water.”
And Jesus demonstrates to Peter once again who he is.
You know the story. Peter steps out of the boat and actually starts walking on the water. But the wind whips up, and Peter takes his eyes off Jesus. His feet get wobbly, not unlike his faith. The winds of discouragement have distracted him, throwing him off balance. And Peter starts to sink.
But Jesus reaches down into the water and pulls him out. He tells Peter he has plans for him and his faith needs to be strong enough to withstand the coming storms. Peter got it. He would later write how it was trials he faced that caused his faith to be pure, precious and strong (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Like Peter, we all face painful, faith-threatening circumstances. If we keep our focus on those disappointments, they will distract us from Jesus. And we’ll start to sink. But if we call out to Jesus, he will reach down, right into the middle of our heartache, our anger, our confusion. And pull us out.
Friend, if you are facing a storm right now, keep your eyes on Jesus. Let him strengthen your faith. Don’t sink.