This is when I read Jesus calling his disciples in Luke 5:1-11. How many times did we go over this passage? It must have been at least five during my role as a small group leader for JBC. And as I read how Jesus calmed Simon Peter down and gave him a new purpose to fish for men, I was reminded of Peter's other water experience. In Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus walks on water and the disciples are scared, but Jesus says, "It is I. Don't be afraid." Peter joins Him, but seeing the wind, becomes afraid and starts to sink. In Exodus when Moses is called by God, he asks "Who am I?". God responds with, "I will be with you." He also says later "I AM WHO I AM."
It wasn't about what I could do as a small group leader or student. It isn't about what I can do now or later as a dentist or minister. He is.
"I am."
So when the waves of doubt, fear, sin, shame, and guilt are rising up, I am not alone. You are not alone. I need to be reminded that I have a Maker who will never leave me nor forsake me.
Jesus gave me this image of me in the water with all of these waves crashing and rising up against me. But Jesus is in front of me with His hand outstretched. And so I take it. His grip is strong and He pulls me out of the water. With the other hand, He calms the waves. And we stand with his arms wrapped around me, just holding me.
My Jesus is Lord over even the biggest of waves.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God
-Still by Hillsong
I will be still and know You are God.
