Amy's 'momentary trouble'

Matthew 14: 22-33
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I, Do not be afraid." "Lord, if it is you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Can you imagine what it must have felt like stepping out of that boat and onto the water? Cool and damp, but oddly firm? Was it slippery or was his pace sure? Did he rise with the waves or did the water flow around his legs? It must have been exhilarating! And most likely a bit frightening as well. This lesson really has very little to do with water or walking on it. As long as Peter kept his focus on Jesus (which wasn’t for very long) the water supported him, but the second his mind started to wander and his eyes left the focus of his faith, he started to sink. The act of walking on water was an object lesson for Peter, but the main lesson, the big picture is faith. But why Peter, why not the other disciples? There were eleven other disciples in that boat. Why was Peter the only one invited by Christ to step out of the boat? Simply, because Peter asked. Philippians 4:6 says: “in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Peter asked, Jesus answered. The rest was up to Peter.
Not much has changed in 2000 years, even with the Bible to study; we still deal with issues of faith. When we face risks or great challenges, we have a choice to make: Where to place our faith. Do you placed your faith in yourself? In your own abilities and strength? Or in God’s abilities and strength? Let’s see; Man: Limited in knowledge and strength, fallible…God: All knowing, All powerful, infallible.

So all of that to say, here I stand, though the winds of fear buffet me from every side and the wails of despair fill my ears, I will hold Jesus Christ as the focus of my faith. For He is my strength…He is my wisdom…and in Him, I rest my hope.

This coming Monday, Amy has her MRI (I got them to move it up!) and on Tuesday at 9:00am she has an appointment to find out the result.

This is Amy's story as seen and told by me – V

This one is for you sis...
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.