Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him… Matthew 14:29-31
Jesus didn’t say “Come on, you can do it” or “You better have more faith!” or “See what happens when you don’t believe?” Immediately he reached out his hand for Peter. God never abandons us or even hesitates for a second to save us. Even when we have little faith or no hope or hardly any will to go on, God is right there, reaching out immediately to save us. All we have to do is ask.
But sometimes we don’t ask for help, even in hard times. Perhaps our pride keeps us from admitting we are sinking. Or we may have been told that when we make a mistake, we deserve the evil that befalls us. Or perhaps old fears of a critical, punishing god keeps us from crying out to the true God who infinitely loves us.
If you are hurting, if your faith is weak in the face of strong winds, don’t make God wait. Ask for help with an open heart, and it will be offered. Immediately.
Denise Barker
Originally published November 18, 1998
