Don’t Look Down

No matter what God is in control

“²⁴ But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; for the wind was contrary. ²⁵ And in the fourth watch of the night he came unto them, walking upon 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 straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. ²⁸ And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee upon the waters. ²⁹ And he said, Come. And Peter went down from the boat, and walked upon the waters to come to Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me.“ Matthew 14: 24-30

When Jesus invited Peter to join Him on the water of the sea, Peter was hoping to meet the challenge. With great faith, Peter stepped out of the boat. He was full of confidence as he faced the Master. I think Peter’s feet were quite dry as long as his eyes were on Jesus.

I simply imagine that Jesus calling out with urgency, “don’t look down, Peter. Just focus on me. Don’t look down.”

Peter was a fisherman. This experienced and big named fisherman made that very mistake. He looked down into the murky waters. His confidence in himself waned. His faith in Jesus wavered. After all, walking on water was impossible.

It is extremely easy to criticize Peter for his failure. Yet it is true of us all. The walk-of-faith is remarkable as long as one’s eyes are on the Master, on the Creator and Maker of everything. When one’s gaze wanders into the world, we get swept up by waves of doubt.

Peter was not too proud to cry out, “Master, save me!”

Like Peter of old, we must “Turn Our Eyes Upon Christ, Jesus”. “Look full in His wonderful faithful face”. It becomes easy to sink into the swirling waters of discouragement, if we see on our abilities. And one’s attention can become fixed on the problem rather than the Problem Solver, Christ Jesus. Discouragement can pull us down into a never-ending whirlpool of despair.

I can almost hear Jesus calling out with urgency, “don’t look down, Peter. Just focus on me. Don’t look down!”

We, too, must cry out, “Master, save me”.