“27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’” The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 14:27.
Yesterday, I went in to get the stents out of my eyes. Now, hindsight says it is a very, very simple procedure that took about one minute and truly was not a big deal. But beforehand, I was a bit apprehensive. Despite months of eye issues and doctors working around my eyes, I still don’t like people getting near my eyes, especially with sharp, pointy instruments.
As the kind, gentle doctor began the procedure, he said, “Look at me.” He had me focus on him to put my eyes in the correct position for the procedure as well as to keep my focus away from what he was having to do. When he had to do the next step, he said, “Close your eyes.”
I followed his instructions and trusted him. He was so calm that I felt calm. Before I knew it, it was over for both eyes.
Later, I thought about it. It reminded me of Jesus as we go through trials. If we focus on Him and trust Him, we do well. He is calm. We are calm. We keep our eyes on Him. We follow His instructions. We know He is in control.
It reminded me of Peter when Jesus asked him to get out of the boat. Peter did well while he was focused on Jesus, but began to sink when he had his eyes on the storm. Oh, how much Peter reminds me of myself.
22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 14:22–33.
Jesus took care of Peter even when he began to sink. Jesus cares. Keep your eyes on Jesus! We can trust Him even more than I trust my eye doctor. What a Savior!!
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