I knew it was him. I could see him through the sheets of rain, as if he was walking inside a waterfall. The waves crashed around the boat, swirling it like a leaf in a gutter. Yet he kept inching towards us, steady-footed, calm, assured.
Wait. He was on top of the water! A few cried out,”It’s a ghost!”. But, my heart knew it was him. If he was near, all would be alright. Through the whoosh of the wind I heard his voice in my soul. “Come to me.”
Without a second thought, I jumped in the water and rushed towards him.
Oh, my Lord. I was on the surface of the lake as well, my feet barely dampened by the waves. This can’t be. No one can walk on water. It can’t be done. What was I thinking?
The waves lapped my feet. Then my knees. Something jerked me downwards into the frigid lake. Help me, Lord. Help me.
A wave crashed over my head. My mouth filled with muddy water and choked the words I tried to cry out. I floundered, even though my arms and legs pushing against the waves with every ounce of strength I had. The gripping force pulled my legs straight down. My head ducked underwater. My tunic billowed around me then slapped against me like a death shroud. My chest crunched against the pressure. My heart pounded against it like fists on a closed door.I looked up through the water. I was going to die. Lord, don’t let me die.
Then, through the shimmering murkiness appeared a hand. It reached for me. I saw his soft face smiling, beckoning beyond the surface of the lake. I stretched my fingers. They touched his.
Warmed strength surged through me as he grabbed hold and lifted me to His face. His caring eyes smiled into mine. “Believe, my friend, and live.”
(Inspired by Matthew 14:22-32)
Do you feel like you are being pulled under? You don’t have another smidgen of strength to fight it. The pressures of your world push against you, jerking you down into the murky unknown where faith is drowned by anxiety and doubt. You sputter for breath. You may even whisper in a resolved plea, “Okay. I quit. Take me then.”
Stop struggling on your own. Look up. He is there to reach down and lift you out into His loving arms. Stretch to meet his fingers. Believe, and live.
I found God today in this picture – it made me realize once again that if I fix my eyes on Jesus, grab hold of His hand, give Him the control, I will not sink.
To order a copy go to: http://www.goodsalt.com/cart/print_yskas0001.html
You’ve done a great job of getting inside Peter’s head in this passage, although he experienced something we will most likely never experience. And I love that picture! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
LikeLike
Beautifully written, thank you for your inspiration.
Can you tell me where you found this painting? It really speaks to me. I would love to find whoever the artist is, and buy a painting from him/her. Thank you!
LikeLike
So many have asked. It was on the Facebook posting from a local Christian Radio Station – 88.3 The Journey, (KJRN) which broadcasts out of a college in Keene, TX. You can contact them. Wanda is the co-owner and the one who posted it. She will know the source, I could only reference their Facebook page.
LikeLike
Another guy has finally found the website where you can buy it. http://www.goodsalt.com/cart/print_yskas0001.html
LikeLike
Please tell me who the artist of this beautiful painting, & if I can obtain a copy?
LikeLike
no one knows. It was posted on Facebook by the manager of a Christian radio station I listen to, ( that I referenced to in the blog) and she got it form another website. Both have searched and searched to find the artist. Google searches have come up naught. Amazing isn’t it?
LikeLike
it has been found. Here is the website where you can buy it. http://www.goodsalt.com/cart/print_yskas0001.html
LikeLike
I did some research and the artist is Yonsung Kim. I found this link where you can purchase a print http://www.goodsalt.com/cart/print_yskas0001.html
LikeLike
Who is the artist of this picture?
LikeLike
Amazing isn;t it? Another commentator did some research and the artist is Yonsung Kim. This is the link where you can purchase a print http://www.goodsalt.com/cart/print_yskas0001.html
He has just begun to sell them in the U.S. My Christian radio station, 88.3 The Journey, who first posted the picture on Facebook(and to whom I credited the picture) now has the poster on their wall.
LikeLike
Gods’ perfect timing. I needed this message today. My father of 92 is facing a surgery that could have some life threatening consequences whether having it done or not. so trusting in the Lord; so we don’t go through it alone.
LikeLike
May Our Lord wrap you both in His love knowing that eternal goodness and mercy is His gift as we trudge through this temporal wilderness. Prayed for your dad and you.
LikeLike