Don’t you just love Peter?
I think one of the main reasons we like him so much is because we can relate to him so easily.
One moment, he’s willing to die for Jesus. The next, he’s running scared. One minute, he’s recognizing Jesus as the Holy One of God, the next he’s vying for first place in the kingdom. He’s human…just like us.
Faithful one moment, scared the next.
For example, in Matthew 14, when he saw Jesus walking on water, he courageously decided to get out of the boat and join Jesus in the waves. This was one of Peter’s finest moments.
Unfortunately, it didn’t last long: “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Matthew 14:30).
When Peter had his eyes on Jesus, he could literally walk on water. But when he took his eyes off his Savior, he began to sink.
Hillsong UNITED sings a popular song based on this Biblical story. The song is called Oceans (Where Feet May Fail). You can listen to the entire song here.
My favorite line from this song might not be the one you would expect. It’s only said one time, but it’s nonetheless powerful: “You’ve never failed and you won’t start now.”
It’s so easy in the midst of a storm to think God is failing us. If He were really here with me, this wouldn’t be happening. If He really loved me like His Word says He does, He wouldn’t allow this into my life.
But God WILL NOT fail us. He never has. He never will.
When our circumstances make us question God’s faithfulness, the problem is our circumstances, not our God.
Just as Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus, we too can sink when we focus on our circumstances instead of on our God.
When I was going through four consecutive miscarriages, this song reminded me of God’s faithfulness. God had never failed before…and he won’t start now.
Cling to that truth today.
If you feel like you’re sinking in the storm, keep your eyes on the One who can walk you through it.
What other songs have encouraged you through difficult times?
Tweetables:
“When our circumstances make us question God’s faithfulness, the problem is our circumstances, not our God.” @DoNotDepart #SingPraise –Click to tweet this.
If you feel like you’re sinking in the storm, keep your eyes on the One who can walk you through it.” @DoNotDepart #SingPraise –Click to tweet this.
What a great reminder in this post and in Peter’s story, Lindsey. Love this: “this song reminded me of God’s faithfulness. God had never failed before…and he won’t start now.”
Yes I love Peter’s story!
I’m so glad I came across your web page! I look forward to reading more and find encouragement. I’ve been going through a health struggle for almost 3 months now and there’s no doubt that I feel more discouraged and down when I look at the circumstances. When I fix my eyes on the Lord, I know I can get through it with His strength. My pastor spoke about Peter sinking when he took his eyes off the Lord this weekend at service and when I hear the same message more than once, I know God is speaking to me. I know it’s not a coincidence I came across this blog post. Thanks for the encouragement!
I really like Casting Crowns “Just be Held” right now. It’s an encouraging song for difficult times!
Isn’t that cool when God does that…when he makes certain we get the message He is trying to have us hear? I LOVE that! Thanks for sharing. I don’t think I’ve heard that song by Casting Crowns, so I’ll have to google it! Their songs are always so powerful.