Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. Matthew 14:31 (NLT)
Ever had one of those days where it felt like you just couldn’t do anything right? Recently, I felt that way. I felt like everything I said, no matter how I wanted it to come out, it came out wrong. Then afterward, the onslaught of negative comments erupted in my head.
“You will never get this right.”
”Why are you even involved in ministry?”
”You are not cut out for this.”
”God can’t use you, you are going to mess this up.”
Over and over in my head spewing negativity and building doubt. But then I remember this story of Peter. I love Peter. He reminds me of me.
Peter said to Jesus “Lord, if it’s you, invite me to come out onto the water.” If? Really? Do you know anyone else who can walk on water? Jesus invited him out and when Peter focused on Jesus, he was fine. But he turned his gaze away and started to sink. He cried out to Jesus “Lord, Save me!”
And Jesus said “No. You deserve that for not trusting me. Maybe it’s time you learn your lesson. You can’t just spout things off and not have consequences.” He let him sink.
That is not what the Bible says. The Bible says “Immediately.” Immediately, as soon as Peter asked, Jesus reached out and caught him. Not a hesitation. Not a snarky comment about Peter never getting it right. Jesus just caught him and pulled him to a safe place.
Friend, no matter what you’ve done, when the barrage of words start in your head and it feels like you can’t get it right, cry out to Jesus. As soon as you do, he will immediately reach out and catch you. You will be safe. And Jesus never makes a mistake.