Last night Dave grabbed my phone and captured this beautiful end to a raining afternoon. I didn’t see the shots he took until this morning. They brought a smile to my face and a sense of peace to my heart.
The image made me wonder how many skies like this Peter saw on the Sea of Galilee and many times Jesus looked up at the end of a long day and saw the rays of the sun shining through the clouds?
Peter would see the clouds and think like a fisherman. He would be focused on the natural while Jesus was about His Father’s business and the lives that needed to be changed.
I don’t know Peter’s thoughts or concerns, but I do know that Jesus was always intent on doing what the Father had sent him to do, to serve mankind and tell them (us) of the Father’s love.
He would draw away from his disciples in the evening and then again in the early morning hours to pray. He was always aware of the Father’s presence, and He was wrapped in the peace that only comes from above.
One particular night Jesus had sent his disciples off in a boat and He stayed by himself to pray.
“At once, Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and start back across the lake. But he stayed until he had sent the crowds away. 23 Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later in the evening, he was still there.
24 By this time the boat was a long way from the shore. It was going against the wind and was being tossed around by the waves. 25 A little while before morning, Jesus came walking on the water toward his disciples. 26 When they saw him, they thought he was a ghost. They were terrified and started screaming.
27 At once, Jesus said to them, “Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:22-27 CEV
The disciples had seen miracles that day but out in the boat the miracles and power of God had been forgotten. They were focused on their desperate situation and fear had set in. Jesus spoke words of protection and peace.
Don’t be afraid!
Peter was emboldened by Jesus’ presence and said, “Lord if it’s you let me walk on the water too”. Jesus said, “Come on”. Peter stepped out of the boat and started walking toward Jesus but then he looked at the waves and felt the wind. He was no longer trusting in the one who said “Come” and he began to sink.
Jesus took him by the hand and they joined the other disciples in the boat. Peace was restored.
How many times do we start out on a course that God has designed for us and become frightened by the circumstances around us?
“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV
Take your worries and concerns to the Father in prayer. Our Father who fills the sky with His beauty will wrap you in His peace!