Matthew 14

After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. Later that night, He was there alone, ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus had a very busy schedule.  There were always crowds of people looking for Him and following Him, because of the miraculous healings that He could do and because His teachings were unlike anything they had ever heard.  Despite this, He always made time to go away by Himself to pray.  He knew the importance of staying connected to God.  At one point, He was describing to a crowd the reason He was able to do these miraculous healings: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself. He does only what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does” (John 5:19).  In the same way, we need to make sure that we take time to be alone with God and stay connected to Him.  We should talk to Him, listen to Him, and include Him in our everyday lives.  Jesus told His disciples, and is telling us today: “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

“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!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭28‬-‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Peter was able to walk on the water as long as he remained focused on Jesus.  As soon as he looked away and started to panic about the wind and the waves, he became fearful and his faith wavered.  He forgot about Jesus’ power to help him.  It is so easy to lose our focus when life throws problems at us, but God promises that if we remain focused on Him, we can overcome anything.  Jesus said: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  He has overcome the world, so He can help you overcome any problem you are facing today.