Matthew 14:23-24

New International Version

After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

For Encouragement

They were in trouble. The waves buffeted their boat in the middle of the lake because the wind was against them (Matthew 14:24). Their long day culminated in the feeding of the five thousand (13-21). Where was their Master when they needed Him? They know they left Him on the other side while He went to pray in the mountains, and they took the only boat with them. So, how was He going to get to them?

Do you not feel that way sometimes? Or maybe that “sometime” is today for you.

You had a stressful week, and you have kicked your boots off for a relaxing weekend. Maybe you are on a planned getaway to a serene hideout. Unfortunately, the weather has changed, and you find yourself in a nasty rainstorm, struggling to get to safety. Maybe your car broke down in the middle of the night and at a location with no possibility of a passing vehicle to get some aid. You have your family in the car, and you are afraid. From where will your help come? Where is God?

Such are the times you must muster courage and trust the Lord to come through for you. There is nothing that can keep God from reaching you.

The lake was no hindrance to Jesus for reaching out to the struggling disciples. He made it, and He maintained authority over it. He had not forgotten them. His eyes were on them all the time he prayed, and He interceded for them. At the right time, Jesus came to them, walking on the lake (25).

Wherever you may be in that terrifying situation testing your faith this weekend, trust the Lord to defy every obstacle to pull you out of it. Maybe you will get some training on “lake-walking,” just as Peter did. The good news is that the winds will die down when Jesus steps into your situation, and you will declare His glory in wholehearted worship (32-33).

How joyful your weekend will be!

Shalom.