The apostle Peter was part of a logic-defying miracle. One that has captivated the minds of many throughout history. In fact, many have tried to imitate this great feat of God’s power without success. The miracle in question is of course when Peter stepped out of the boat onto a treacherous sea. Then began to walk across the water to meet Jesus. It was a short-lived miracle as Peter took His eye off Jesus and allowed to fear to creep in. Causing Him to start sinking into the water. But at the very moment, he started to sink he began to cry out to the Lord to rescue him.
Matthew 14:28–30 (ESV)
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”
It’s interesting that Peter began to cry out right as he begins to sink. Mainly because it is so different than how we often respond. You see he did not wait until the water was over his head to cry out. Really the water might not have been above the ankle before he sought help from God.
It greatly contrasts the way many of us often react when we start to sink in life. When we have momentarily taken our eyes off God and become overwhelmed by the storm around us. Because unlike Peter we often wait until we are drowning before we finally cry out for help. Instead of seeking the Lord’s help from the moment, we start to encounter trouble.
As we read on in the Gospel of Matthew we see how the Lord responds to Peter’s cry. The Bible says that immediately He stretches forth His hand to catch Peter. Stopping him from sinking and ushering him into the safety of the ship.
Matthew 14:31–32 (ESV)
31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Jesus was able to quickly and easily rescue Peter out of his situation. That is because Peter chose to cry out for help from the very beginning. They were still close to one another on the water. So all Jesus had to do was stretch out His hand. Had Peter waited until his head was under the water, rescue would not have come as quick. Because Jesus would have had to go into the water after him. Both ways God would be able to save him but waiting would have changed it from a simple quick act to a more complex and longer one.
Chances are we would see similar results as Peter if we wouldn’t hesitate to cry out to God for help. Calling on His name from the moment we start to encounter trouble in life. But when we allow the issue to grow, more must be done to resolve it. Making it feel like God is doing nothing to save us because we do not see His outstretched hand immediately.
The issue is that many of us view our issues as not worthy of the Lord’s time when they first pop up. We view them as two small and think a God has bigger things to spend His time on than our little issue. Leading us to try to handle the issue on our own. But we should be like Peter and make our problem known to God before it starts to snowball. Before it gets completely out of hand. God wants everyone to come to Him in prayer about everything. No matter how big or small it may seem to you.
Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
1 John 5:14–15 (ESV)
14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
So stoping waiting until you are drowning in your situation to cry out to God for help. Only to then wonder why it seems like He is not coming to help you. Go to Him in prayer at the first hint of trouble. Don’t wait until the foreclosure notice is on the door to pray. Pray before the first payment is due. Don’t wait until the divorce papers are in your hand start praying. Pray at the first sign of trouble. Don’t wait to hear back from your doctor. Go to God in prayer before you even head to the doctor. Whatever your situation is, don’t keep waiting, start praying! God should be your first option and never the last.
I believe if we would turn to God first before the water has risen the first inch. Before trying to solve the problem ourself or have sought help from other sources. Well before things have gotten out of control. That we can expect to see the same immediate response that Peter did the day he walked on the water only to sink.
Will this lead to us always getting the answer we want? Will God always reach in and resolve our issue right away if we cry out immediately? I truly can’t answer those questions. The Lord will always have His will and His way in His time. He works things for the better of all people at levels we cannot understand. But I undoubtedly believe that God will always honor those who seek Him first. God should never be seen as the last resort by any Christian.
We truly hope this article has caused you to see your need to turn to God first. Please expose others to this truth by sharing this article on your social media. Simply click one of the icons below to share on your preferred platform. Thanks for your support and God Bless!
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