Join us for Day 26 of 30 days to embracing God's disruptions and detours; a preview of our new Bible study, The Mary Answer. Today's devotion is called, "Don't Look Down." Find out how you can sign up for a free copy of our upcoming study and be a part of our launch team in the show notes

Day 26: Don't Look Down (transcript and links)

Read the Word: Mt. 14:22-33 Read today’s scriptures and take note of anything that catches your heart. What do you observe that God might want you to single out and pray about? Write down your observations.

In Matthew 14 Jesus had just fed thousands of people with five loaves and two fishes. After the disciples picked up the leftovers, Jesus told them to get in a boat and go to the other side of the lake without him. After their boat was a considerable distance out, the wind came up and the waves started to rock the boat. Now there were a few fishermen in this boat so I don’t imagine they were scared; just focused. To navigate choppy waters you need to concentrate on the movement of the boat against the wind. Then Jesus came to their boat walking on the water. Now they were terrified. (Mat. 14:26) Now they had two sets of troubles at once: the rocking boat and someone walking on the water they thought might be a ghost.

But recognizing Jesus on the water gave Peter enough courage to ask to walk on the water as well. Jesus didn’t give him any instructions; he didn’t test the wind speed or look to see if Peter’s clothing was too heavy. He just said “Come.”

Peter got out of the boat and started walking. Then he did the one thing we do sometimes when we’re in troubled waters—he looked down, saw the wind and the waves, and began to sink. Instead of keeping his eyes focused on the miraculous presence of Jesus, he looked at his challenge. In that moment, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. (v. 31)

Is there something you’re going through right now that feels like a rocking boat in a wind storm? Don’t doubt him. He is standing there right with you, calling you. And don’t take your eyes off him. But if you do get distracted by the waves, look up. He is there to catch you when you start sinking.

Wait in prayer: Write out this personalized prayer from Deuteronomy 31:6 and put it on your list of scripture prayers to memorize: “I will be strong and courageous. I will not be afraid or terrified, for you are with me, Jesus. I know you are with me wherever I go. I thank you that you will never leave me or forsake me.”

Worship: Waymaker performed by Michael W. Smith

Links (click 'em, they're live)

Link to the lyric video for Waymaker by Michael W. Smith

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