Weekly Message
DROWNING IN A SEA OF TROUBLE
But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid , and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30)
Last week we heard the story of a cruise ship that left port with approximately 4,000 passengers for a pleasurable vacation voyage. Unfortunately, during the trip, there was a fire in the engine room which left the ship unable to propel itself back to shore. What started with great expectations, ended with great disappointment. Fortunately, there were no casualties however many people have been negatively affected as a result of the experience.
In our lives, we often start with great expectations but find that matters don't always go our way. In the passage above, Peter believed that he could walk on water, as Jesus had, but his faith began to fail him and he began to sink. He took his eyes off of Jesus. Had Jesus not been there to save him, he could have drowned.
Many people are experiencing serious problems today and are close to drowning in a sea of trouble. Accordingly, here are 3 things to remember when faced with a sea of trouble:
1. Do not look for safety in drugs, tranquilizers, alcohol, etc. Storms will come and seas will rage, but trying to drown your troubles with such substances will only make things worse.
2. Face the facts. Acknowledge that you have a problem, but do not let your troubles overwhelm you. If you meet them head on, you will more often than not find that they are not as bad as they seem. Do what you can to solve them.
3. Call on Jesus. Take your emphasis off of your troubles and focus on Jesus. Jesus has a way of calming you down, as well as calming the stormy winds that exist. All Jesus has to say is, "Peace Be Still." Do not under-estimate what Jesus can do. He can pick you up from the sea of troubles and put you down on dry land.
When Peter called out to Jesus, Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
And trust me, what Jesus did for Peter, He will do for you and me also. Hallelujah!