Deep Water

Matthew 14:22-33

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

following Jesus
can get you into deep water
you think Jesus is right there with you
when whoosh, a wave slaps you in the face
and you come up sputtering
in darkness blowing all around you
kicking to the surface to search and
you know you can’t make it to shore
but you get a glimpse
a lightening flash
shows the Word
of hope
of help
of sandal shod feet
walking on wave tops
and you cry out
a small voice in the maelstrom
He calls you out and out you go
matching your feet to His
you dance
before your feet of clay turn to mud
and start to sink,
you too, rise above the churning water
but even in the sinking
a hand reaches out
and you find yourself plopped back in the boat
because no matter how deep the water
how wild the wind
the One you follow
is the way home.