‘But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:28
A little while ago I was on my way to an appointment, and I had my GPS going for guidance as I wasn’t familiar with where I was going. Whilst driving, I got a little distracted with the scenery around me and ended up missing my turn off. It took a few seconds, but thankfully the GPS rerouted me and got me back on track. The detour added another 15 minutes to my trip, which made me late, which triggered frustration and anxiety because I hate being late to anything.
Distractions shift our focus.
Life throws many things in our direction, making it easy to lose focus on what, or who, is most important. While the distraction and detour didn’t create too much of an issue, some distractions can have greater implications and can cause us to lose our way. It can cause us to get completely off track, or worse, take our eyes off Jesus.
When the disciples were on the boat and saw Jesus walking towards them on the water, Peter called out and asked Jesus to call him onto the water too (Matt 14:28). Miraculously, he did. Peter became the only other person recorded to have ever walked on water. We read that he walked on water and did so well, until he got distracted by the wind and waves around him. The bible says, ‘But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matt 14:30). The moment Peter got distracted, he lost sight of Jesus. He became more focused on what was happening around him and lost his footing.
Jesus reaches out His hand.
But here is the beautiful thing about Jesus; He is gracious, loving, and kind. The moment Peter cried out to Jesus for help, Jesus extended his arm. And despite gently rebuking Peter for doubting, Jesus still got into the boat with Peter and continued the journey with him. He didn’t leave him in the water to drown. He didn’t repeatedly berate him for lacking faith and doubting. And he didn’t turn his back on Peter because he wasn’t focused Him. He got into the boat with him and the others and went with them.
A forgiving Jesus.
Like Peter, we can all get distracted. We can all lose focus and take our eyes off Jesus. But unlike humans, Jesus is instantly forgiving. His love for us extends well past our fickleness and inability to be perfect like Him. God knows our hearts and despite that, still sent Jesus for us. When Jesus went to the Cross, He knew that we would mess up and take our eyes off Him. He knew some would reject him completely. Yet He went because He loves us. And the Jesus that went to the cross is the same Jesus we love and serve today.
He is the Jesus that doesn’t hold grudges.
He is the Jesus that won’t leave us to drown.
He is the Jesus that doesn’t turn His back on us when we take our eyes of him.
And He is the Jesus that always extends his hand to us.
Jesus loves you.
The enemy would have you believe that Jesus doesn’t care enough about you. That we can’t rely on Him to help us or save us. Society backs this up with the narrative that we can only rely on ourselves, and that God helps those who help themselves. But nothing is further from the truth because the truth is that God loves you and cares for you. His arms are always open for us to step into, no matter how far we’ve detoured away. His love for you is endless. And He is always, always with us, seeking our heart.
If like me, you have had moments when distractions have detoured you away from Jesus, be encouraged that all you need to do is call out His name and He will be there. Just call on His name and know that He will have his arms open for you. And know that He will walk across the waters with you and help you back into the boat. The Lord is mighty to save and full of mercy and love, and He wants you to take his hand so that He can walk the journey with you.
Reflection Questions
Have you had moments when life distracted you from God? How did you find your way back? If you need prayer for your journey with God, leave a comment and I will pray for you.
Such a good reminder, Leila. With Jesus, there is no condemnation, only grace, and his strong hands. I’m so glad he doesn’t criticise us the way we do ourselves—something I need to remember more often.
You and me both, Steph. It’s so easy to criticise and berate ourselves, but thankfully God gently loves us through it!
Wonderful reminder of Jesus’ love and faithfulness, thank you.
Thanks, Keona!