Call Out to Him!

“Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind stopped.” Matthew 14:22-32

Many remember watching the news coverage of a young Olympic runner who fell as he came out of the backstretch before the final curve. Wrenching in pain, he tried to stand but collapsed back on to the track’s surface. A hush enveloped the crowd as eyes turned from the race’s victor to the lone runner struggling to his feet at the far end of the stadium. Suddenly, he was joined by an older man who eluded Olympic guards and jumped onto the track. It was the runner’s father. Together, arm in arm, they pressed toward the finish line. He may have fallen, but he was not defeated.

When Peter stepped out of the boat and began to walk on the water to Jesus, his one goal was to reach the Savior. And through the darkened waters caused his heart to momentarily doubt, Peter would not settle for defeat and called out, “Lord, save me!” This is not an account of faithless peril. Had Peter truly doubted Jesus’ power He never would have gotten out of the boat.

Never allow the enemy to tell you that you are worthless and defeated because you stumbled in your race to the finish line. Just like the loving father who ran to his son’s side, Jesus runs to be near you and to carry you to victory. Call out to Him as Peter did, and He will save you.