Read Matthew 14:22-33 | Psalm 22:23-31
Commentary | Dr. Terence Lester
In January 2017, a neighbor informed us that someone was
digging through our dumpster at Love Beyond Walls. We came to know this person
as Mark. I told the neighbor that we advocate for those experiencing
homelessness, providing for people in need. She replied that she was
contemplating calling the police. Our volunteers exchanged uneasy glances,
sensing the stigma in the air.
Nevertheless, I ventured outside. I found Mark by the
dumpster. I inquired if I could help. He replied, “I’m cold, and I haven’t
eaten in days. I was hoping to find something to eat.” Mark held a business
degree and had owned his own home. He was utterly hopeless, contemplating
suicide. He added that he was crying out to God. We offered him shelter and
support. God used Mark’s courage to lift him. Mark became one of our most
dedicated volunteers at Love Beyond Walls, and over time, emerged from homelessness.
We even facilitated a reconnection with his children.
Mark’s story reminds us that danger is not always physical.
Sometimes, it manifests as despair. Just as Mark reached out to us in his
darkest hour, we are called to reach out to Jesus in storms. The story of Peter
walking on water and sinking isn’t just a tale of doubt; it’s a narrative of
faith. When Peter steps out of the boat, he demonstrates remarkable courage and
trust in Jesus. Only when he shifts his focus to the raging storm does he sink.
Like Peter, we may sink amid life’s challenges. However, as we are sinking,
Jesus rescues us.
Sometimes, the danger is of our own making. Sometimes we
sink simply because we had the courage to show up. Other times, we sink because
we lose sight of what’s crashing around us. Often we grapple with what has made
us sink without realizing that Jesus focuses on how much he loves us. Jesus
extends a rescuing hand—and his love is greater than whatever causes us to
sink.
Jesus is the Rescuer. Ultimately, Mark’s story demonstrates
that God is near, not simply because we have doubted, but because we have had
the faith to get out of the boat and start walking at the command of Jesus. I
believe that God honors us and meets us in our lowest places.
We can find hope and salvation, cry out to the Lord, as
Peter did, and discover that Jesus has more faith in us than we have in
ourselves. Peter’s cry, “Lord, save me!” is an acknowledgment of need. What happens
next is a beautiful revelation of our Savior’s heart—rescue, not shame and
guilt.
As we reflect on Psalm 22:23-31, which Jesus quoted from the
cross and which speaks of all the earth praising God, let’s remember that distress
can lead to praise. When we are rescued, we can praise and give thanks to the
Lord! The Lord reaches out when we cry out, guiding us safely through storms
and tangibly being with us. May we have the courage to step out in faith,
trusting in God's power and ability to rescue—not focusing on our doubts and
fears, but on our courage to walk toward God. And sometimes God's power meets
us—as it met Mark—when we take steps toward Jesus' command to "Come."
Reflect: When have you stepped out in faith? When have you
had the courage to walk toward God in the midst of a storm?
reprinted with permission from A Sanctified Art
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