THE HIGH WAVES BEHIND JESUS
Sakkie Parsons
Translated from the Afrikaans Version: Die hoë golwe agter Jesus se rug
Translator: Lynda Botha
I would like to share with you today the thought that came into my mind when I re-read the section in the Word, where Peter walked on the water.
I want you to reflect on the following thought from the Bible and the way I implement this into my own life:
"While keeping my eyes on our Lord, I am certainly aware of how Satan wants me to rather focus behind Jesus on the high waves rolling closer, just like Peter.”
Do you remember?
MATHEW 14:28-31
28 “Then Peter called to Him, “Lord, if it’s really You, tell me to come to You, walking on the water.”
29 "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.”
30 “But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.”
31 “Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
When I see the high waves, I just call out Jesus and then I feel His wonderful peace.
PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7:
6 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.”
7 “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
If someone asked me, if it’s not a facade I’m putting up, how can I understandably and logically explain this humanly incomprehensible illogical way of life, so that the following example will make any sense?
Here I am with this great pain in my heart and a lot of additional problems and yet, I preach and quote again this very important Scripture from the Amplified Bible:
PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7
6 “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything (every circumstance and situation) by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your (specific) requests known to God.”
7 “And the peace of God (that peace which reassures the heart, that peace) which transcends all understanding, (that peace which) stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (is yours).
Let me explain it this way:
Years ago, I had a fairly big operation and for quite some time thereafter I experienced a lot of pain. It was a really difficult time in my life. I cannot think of another time throughout my life where I have experienced so much consistent pain.
But I kept in mind that I'll just do what the specialist told me to do because eventually I will be, for the rest of my life, without this problem. Whenever the pain became unbearable, I would remind myself that it's bad now, but it is going to get better and then the problem will be gone forever. Eventually this ended and is thankfully still today.
It is the same in my Christian life whereby I am keeping my eyes on Jesus.
I am His child and He the Specialist told me in His office / Word, how I must deal with these kinds of circumstances in my life:
JOHN 16:33 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
JOHN 5:24-25
24 "I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message and believe in God who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into (eternal) life.”
25 “And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when the dead (People like me who has allowed Him, the great specialist, to treat me in my spiritual deathbed) will hear My voice – the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will (eternally) live.”
I conclude with this advice which aids many others and myself still today:
Keep your eyes only on Jesus during trying times, just like Peter and myself experienced. Even though you sometimes feel like the anxiety is overpowering you within your current situation, call out from the spirit within you like Peter:
MATHEW 14:30-31
30 “But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.”
31 “Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him…”
Jesus Christ will grab you so that you will not sink and drown.
Just make sure that your eyes are always on Jesus your Lord and Saviour and declare Him as such to the world:
ROMANS 10:9-11
9 “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
10 “For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”
11 “As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be disgraced.”
How wonderful as a child of God, a follower of Jesus Christ, in the midst of our circumstances in which we live, to always have this wonderful assurance our Lord gave us:
JOHN 14:27 "I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
Greetings,
Sakkie