That Sinking Feeling

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Matthew 14:29-30

During our journey through this life, we will encounter events which can overwhelm us and leave us feeling helpless, devastated, or at a loss as to how to continue. If we look only at the situation, we will feel overwhelmed and we will be tempted to shut down.  Let's face it, if a computer's circuits get overloaded, the computer will shut down and burn out.  That's the same type thing that can happen to us.....if we let it.

Take a look at today's passage.  The Disciples had been sent across the Sea of Galilee ahead of Jesus.  Jesus had told them He would meet them on the other side.  Little did the Disciples realize that He was going to walk right past them on the water!  But, sure enough, the Disciples saw Jesus walking on the water and their sense of "normal" became overwhelmed and the only explanation they could fathom was that Jesus was a ghost.

Even when Jesus told them it was Him, they still doubted.  Peter even said, "Lord IF IT IS You, let me walk out to you."  Jesus told him to come on over.  So Peter stepped onto the water and began to walk toward Jesus.  However, when Peter saw everything else that was going on, he became overwhelmed again and began to sink.  In desperation, he called out to Jesus, "Save me, Lord!" and Jesus reached down and saved him.  

So what can we take from this?

      * We WILL have encounters when we feel overwhelmed! Nothing will make sense and we will feel like burning out.

     *  Jesus has promised that He will ALWAYS be with us, keep that relationship as a priority! 

    * When those times come, don't be afraid to call out for help.  You are not the only person to ever feel overwhelmed and you will make it through this time.

    *  It is not a sign of weakness to let your emotions flow at the appropriate time.  Hold it in will cause more issues than you want to deal with.

    *  Keep breathing!