“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul

and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.

All the law and prophets hang on these commandments.”

Matthew 22:37-40

 

 

 

An Early Morning Miracle

 

 Matthew 14:23-35 (NAS)

Vs 26: And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were frightened saying, “It is a ghost!” 
           And they cried out for fear.
Vs 27: But immediately Jesus spoke to them saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Vs 28: And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water,”
Vs 29: And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward
           Jesus.
Vs 30: But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
Vs 31: And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “O you of little
           faith, why did you doubt?”
Vs 32: And when they got into the boat, the wind stopped.
Vs 33: And those who were in the boat worshipped Him saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”

A lifeguard’s duty is to protect patrons in the water while they swim. One early morning while on duty as a lifeguard, I was diligently watching the swimmers as they went back and forth swimming laps in the pool. I began to pray for each one as they swam. I prayed, Lord, give each person a good day today and encourage them as they go throughout the day. I pray each one knows you, dear Lord. If not, speak to their hearts and bring them into your Great Kingdom.

As I prayed I thought about this great olympic-sized pool of 10 long 50 meter lanes. It reminded me of the story of how Jesus walked very early in the morning on the sea to the boat of His disciples and how Peter walked out on the water to confirm that it was Jesus. What if I had to jump in today and save one of these swimmers? Just as Peter reached Jesus, he began to sense the storm around him, and he took his eyes off Jesus, and he began to sink. Fearfully, he cried out to the Lord to save him. Jesus was Peter’s lifeguard that day. Jesus reminded Peter, “Why did you doubt me? Where is your faith?” Then I thought, Lord help me to trust you. I have gone though training to save someone who is drowning and I know what to do, but I need you. It would be very scary and what if I forgot to do something right.

Isn’t that just like you and me? This is what happens when we take our eyes off Jesus even for a moment. We begin to sink. We begin to doubt ourselves. But Jesus is faithful and just and is willing to save us from all harm and danger. Jesus began to encourage me right there in the lifeguard chair.

Life is full of ups and downs, in and outs, highs and lows, and happiness and sadness. Are you ready, Women of God, to stay focused on our Heavenly Father? The next time you face any kind of turmoil in your life think about the lifeguard sitting there on duty in the chair watching out for all those swimmers. Think about the Lord Jesus waiting on you to call upon His matchless name to come and lift you up out of the raging waters. He is willing and able to help us through whatever it is that is pulling us down. Thank you Jesus. Jesus is asking us, “Will you walk with Me today?” Yes Jesus, I will walk with you.

Sweetly Lord, have I heard Thee calling “Come follow me!”
And we see where Thy footprints falling, Lead us to Thee.
Footprints of Jesus that make the pathway glow;
We will follow the steps of Jesus where e’er they go.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.