Daily Devotion – August 5, 2020 – Dr. Pat Taylor Ellison
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.”
Here we are, still in the midst of the pandemic. We will likely be here even longer, and because we are not stupid, we will make some changes in our lifestyles that allow us to rejoice in the beautiful world God has made despite the fact that it holds microscopic life forms that can so easily kill us.
The corona virus has shown us that we do not know everything and we cannot do everything.
The corona virus has shown us that when we behave as though we have mastered it, it will master us, and especially to the detriment of the most vulnerable among us. In these times we must be protectors of those who cannot protect themselves effectively.
I have a 91 year old mother who is a treasure. I love her dearly. She is locked down, mostly, in a senior assisted living place in the Twin Cities. I want to help make her life as fun and fulfilling as I can. There are some weeks when I have driven myself nuts trying to do the impossible for her and failed to keep it together, thus failing my own family and myself as well as my mom.
This story of Jesus walking on water demonstrates one thing above all else: only Jesus can walk on water. It’s no one else’s job to do so. When I fail to make everything come out perfect, if I only remembered to say what Peter said in this story: “Lord, save me!” I would be so much better off.
I am not actually MEANT to walk on water. I don’t have to.
When my aspirations are not met, I can ask for the Lord’s ever-present help. Such a request will strengthen my relationship with the Lord and then, in turn, also with my husband, my child, and even my mother. That is what will get us through the pandemic: Sensible actions, especially for the benefit of others who cannot protect themselves, and realizing, when we are overextended into acts not meant for us to accomplish, it’s time to say “Lord, save me!” I’m going to be saying that more often until I learn what is my calling and what is not.
Gracious God, Hear my cry: “Lord, save me!” Help me to help others as you have given me gifts and strength to do so. And remind me that it is not my job to walk on water. Amen.
