Lord, Save me

 

One of the shortest prayers in the Bible is only three words. Three simple words – yet profound.

In Matthew 14, right after Jesus had finished feeding the 5,000, He went up on a mountain by Himself to pray. We see in the Bible that he did this often. Seeking solitude was an important priority for Him.

He knew that when the world around you get loud, you need to silence it to hear God speak.

Now when evening came, He was alone where he was at the mountain. The disciples were in a boat in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. The Bible goes on to say that in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him, they were troubled, thinking that they were seeing a ghost. Jesus immediately spoke to them saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Peter, one of the disciples, answered Him saying, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So of course, Jesus said, “Come.”

Now this is when things start to get good.

When Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. Those first few steps must have been surreal, but the next verse interrupts this miraculous moment with a conjunction: “But.”

But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out…. He cried out the short prayer. “Lord, save me.”

As Peter walks, he begins to realize how powerful the wind and waves were. He got distracted by his circumstances. Sound familiar? I know it does to me. He doubts for a quick moment the Divine nature of God and sinks. Peter’s doubt was about to destroy him.

It’s easy to criticize Peter and think he’s insane. I mean, he has already walked a few steps on water and now he wants to be afraid. Stay in the moment though for a minute. Peter was the only one noted to step out of the boat – even amongst the strong wind and waves. He trusted Jesus and stepped out on faith. None of the other disciples dared to step out.

The next verse shows the character of God. Jesus could have done anything in that moment, but what does He choose to do? Well, the text says that He “Immediately stretched out His hand and caught him and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got back in the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

It's easy for us to think that Peter was insane for doubting, but if we truly ask ourselves the question of if we would have doubted also – I find myself asking myself the question, “Would you be Peter, the one that walked on water with Jesus yet still doubted or would you be one of the other disciples on the boat that wouldn’t even dare step out?”

Even with God in the Flesh in front of him, Peter was afraid – yet what did he do? Did he start to completely freak out? Curse God for allowing him to be in this situation? No. He said, “Lord, save me.” Even in lacking faith, he knew deep down that if anyone was going to save him – it would be God.

Jesus rebuked Peter for his weak faith even though it was stronger than that of the other disciples. Jesus used this to help them see that consistent confidence in Himself was necessary. Peter was both a good and bad example.

Peace is not found in the absence of the storm, but in the presence of Jesus. When He bid Peter to come to Him, he didn’t calm the storm before he asked Peter to come out – why? He could have made it nice and easy (well as nice and easy as stepping out onto water can be). Rather, He invited him out INTO the storm – into the rough seas. The rebuke of Peter’s lack of faith was because he took his eyes off Jesus and instead focused on the storm.

We often think peace is found when the waves of life are calm. Smooth sailing was never promised to us. Instead, God promised to be with us through every trial, every tribulation – to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

Faith requires stepping out.

Maybe the most important lesson from this passage is our response to the call – our response is to worship. I saw a post the other day that said that we as humans were made to worship – the question is what are you worshiping? We are all worshiping something whether we realize it or not. Some worship power, some worship money, others worship other’s approval, some, the universe. We need to be worshiping the God of the universe. Some worship the creation, others worship the Creator. Even if one claims to worship absolutely nothing – look at that person’s life and I guarantee you will find something that they worship.

When we encounter God – it should bring us peace. A peace that surpasses all human understanding. It should remind us of who we are and who He is.

God has “Walk on water” moments for you too. God wants to use you to bring glory to Him. But (there’s that “but” again) often we ignore the call – too fearful to step out in faith – we simply settle for safe. I bet Peter was talking about that moment for the rest of his life – why?

 Because he took a risk.

God wants to use your testimony too, the question is – will you allow Him to or will you allow the winds and storms of life keep you in the boat – safe, yet still unsatisfied.

So, if you find yourself in a rut today or in a season of lostness, say that short prayer “Lord, save me.”

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6