Vulnerable

“Lord, if it’s 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!” Matthew 14:28-30

I have a process when I read my daily passages. I first read it from the NIV translation, then read the same passage from the Message translation and finally read the study notes from the Life Application Study Bible.

Sometimes the NIV version is a bit difficult to understand so reading the Message version simplifies it and then the study notes helps explain even more details about the customs and circumstances surrounding the passage. Combined, the three give me a much clearer understanding of the passage.

I’ve read today’s passage many times over the years and today a statement in the study notes caught my attention. It said, “Peter started to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the strong wind and high waves around him. His faith wavered when he realized how vulnerable he was.“

I’ve always understood this passage to be a reminder to keep our eyes on Jesus, not our circumstances, but the last statement about realizing how vulnerable we are, caught my attention today. How many times have I stepped out into something, feeling as if I could conquer the world, just to have the enemy show me how unprepared I really was in my own efforts?

On vacation earlier this year I was on a series of rope bridges. Each level was higher and harder than the last. The entire time I was secured with a harness, but my faith wavered as I looked down and saw how far away the ground was and I spent the entire time fearing that I was going to fall.

My young niece on the other had fully trusted in her harness as she raced through the course over each and every obstacle and even enjoyed the free fall moments because she knew she was safe and secure.

With Christ, we have no need to ever feel unsafe, unsecure or vulnerable. He always has our best interest in mind and He longs for us to step out in faith so we can grow and learn as we experience His hand of protection in our lives.

When a task, challenge or trial is placed before you, ask like Peter did, “Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come.” When God responds you can step out in confidence that whatever may come, God will see you through.