GPS Guide – March 17, 2020
LIFE OF PIETY
Tuesday
Read: Matthew 14:22-33
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (NIV Matthew 14:22-33)
Study: Sometimes following God can be scary. Peter dropped everything to follow Christ and is considered to be the beloved disciple. Even he felt the fear that comes with following Christ. When we follow Jesus’ footsteps, we will sometimes be guided into storms and rough waters but Christ says, “Do not be afraid.” Even when we doubt or are afraid, all we must do is reach out and say, “Lord, save me!” Christ will answer our cry for him.
Prayer: Lord, help me rely on you. Even when I doubt, give me the strength to follow you into the deep waters. When I stumble, pick me up so I can continue to do your work in the world. Amen.