There is a lot going on in the world right now, and things are rapidly changing. We are experiencing something at such an intense level never before seen — stock markets plummeting, children fearful of getting sick, parents worried about whether they will have enough money to pay the bills if their jobs put them on leave, and medical staff that have been inundated with patients who are concerned. God has such perfect timing, and I think we forget that. We get caught up in the daily news reports and forget that in all of this, God is Emmanuel — GOD IS WITH US.
Recently, I was reminded of God’s perfect time when I read Matthew 14:22-33. Here, we read about Jesus walking on water. As Jesus walks on the water, Peter asks Jesus if he can join him on the water. Jesus tells him to come. Once out on the water, Peter notices the wind and the waves, and he becomes afraid. He becomes afraid and begins to sink. As he is sinking, Peter cries out, “Lord, Save Me!”
Right now, many of us probably feel like Peter. We feel like we are sinking, we are afraid, and we don’t know what to do. What is important to notice in this passage isn’t just what Jesus says, but what He does. First, in all of the storm, wind, and waves, Jesus is calm. He is in the midst of the waves, and yet He is calm. The second thing Jesus does is that when Peter is afraid and sinking, He “immediately reaches out his hand and caught him.”
Jesus is reaching out right now if only we would pay attention. He is reaching out to remind us that God is in control. God is in the midst of the chaos occurring around us right now, and yet God IS CALM. As we begin this month, may we rest in the love of God and the embrace of our Savior. May we reach out and take God’s hand and hold on tight to His promises.
Blessings dear friends!
Mitch Hortert
SUMC Administrative Council Chair
Photo by Will Folsom