This is going to be a different kind of writing – but it is what I feel the Lord is having me to write and it is for someone – maybe even you.
Yesterday, I was sitting in my prayer room, praying for peace…for myself and for our partners. I felt the Lord wanted to show me something, so I closed my eyes and became quiet. As soon as I did, I saw Jesus walking toward me…He was in a white robe, walking on water, advancing toward me quickly.
In the fourteenth chapter of Matthew, we find where Jesus told the disciples to go on ahead while he spent some time alone in prayer. They obeyed. By the time Jesus was finished praying, the boat was a great distance away from him. And the wind was against the boat, whipping it here and there. He was not moved by the wind – he simply began to walk toward the boat, on the water.
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Mt. 14:22-27)
The disciples had never seen anything like that therefore they were terribly afraid. Jesus said, “It’s okay – don’t fear, it’s just me.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (v. 28-31)
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (v. 32-33)
We are all familiar with this story. Still, I believe Jesus is speaking through this story today – to someone in particular.
I believe He is saying, “I know you are afraid. I see what is happening. I see the winds blowing against you. I realize the winds of life are tossing you all around. You feel like you can’t even get your footing. But I see you, I know exactly where you are, and I am coming. I am the Prince of Peace, and I am coming to you. I will get in the boat with you, or you can walk on the water with me. Either way, take courage, don’t be afraid. It is Me. I am here.”
I believe Jesus wants us to receive him today as the Prince of Peace. As our peace. There is so much chaos and upheaval in the world right now. We can’t look at that. We must look and see that He is here with us. He is our peace. I saw him clearly today as I prayed for our partners.
Peace is coming toward you. If you haven’t had peace lately, it is on its way to you. Receive it by faith. Step out on the water of faith and walk. You can. You can because he can. And you can do it in peace. Don’t look at the storms. Refuse to give the winds your focus. Keep your eyes firmly on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith and trust him. He is right there.
As I said, a different kind of writing, but Jesus wanted someone to know that he sees you and he is walking toward you and peace, God’s peace, will overtake you.
Appoint My Days
My spirit is strong, my emotions are settled, my mind is sharp, and my body is healed. I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. I am like a tree planted by the rivers of water which bears fruit in my season. My leaves do not wither and whatsoever I do prospers. My steps are ordered by the Lord today and I declare the end from the beginning, in Jesus’ Name.
I Peter 5:10, John 14:27, Ephesians 6:10, Psalm 37:23, Psalm 1:3, Isaiah 46:10
