23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."
28 And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."
29 So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." St. Matthew 14:23-33 (NKJV)

This is one of the New Testament Bible stories that is so easy to picture in your mind. First you see the sea, then the boat appears. You can almost feel the wind getting stronger and stronger, shifting directions as if it does not know which way to blow. The waves get bigger and bigger, and the boat is tossed from one wave to another. You see those in the boat looking fearfully this way and that when all of a sudden the disciples see Jesus walking on the wild waves. Then you hear Peter shouting so he could be heard over the loud waves. - "Lord, command me to come to You on the water." You hear Jesus say, "Come."

The waves on the sea of life are equally as treacherous today. People are in comas, terminally ill, racked with pain or the trauma of not knowing who they are, where they are, or if anybody knows them because they no longer can recognize anyone. Others are caught up in the pursuit for wealth, power, fame, and glory. Some also suffer and are tossed about by greed, deceit, cheating, bribery, fear, jealousy, and often thinking that they are invincible and need answer to no other person.

All of these and other waves on the sea of life are just as menacing and can be just as fatal as the most powerful waves on any body of water. If we are caught up in these waves, no matter how bad it might be, look and you will know that Jesus is there waiting for you ask for the power to come to Him.

Like Peter, when you ask, no matter what your situation is, Jesus will say, "COME." The story does not end there. We need to know more. We see Peter walking on the water as he moves toward Jesus. All of a sudden we see Peter beginning to sink and see Jesus reach out to grab him and get him to safety. Peter looked at the waves and thought it could not be possible that he was walking upon them. When he took his eyes away from Jesus, he began to sink. Even so, Jesus was there extending His Arm so that Peter could hold on as he was pulled into the boat. At that point, the waters became calm.

When you struggle to go to Jesus, walking on your sea of troubles, keep your eye upon Him. If you turn your head to glance at your trouble, you are going to begin to sink because you know that you do not have that power. Look again to Jesus, and as He reaches out and pulls you in, your troubled waters will also become calm.

Let it be known that it is not your power that overcomes the ills, temptations and troubles of the world; it is God’s power. Keep your eyes upon God. Remember, you asked God for help. God sent Jesus as my Savior and your Savior. AND JESUS SAID, COME.

WE PRAY: Lord, when the waves of troubles dash me about, help me to look to You for You are my Strength and Redeemer. AMEN.

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

Often the biggest wave that gives us the most trouble is guilt. You can lessen this if each night you review your day and confess your sins to God. For those who truly repent of their sins, the Blood of Jesus on the Cross has wiped them away. Why carry a heavy load if you don’t need to?