One morning as I was reading in the book of Matthew, I came across a familiar Bible story that I had read several times before. Matthew 14:28-31 says, And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
The word immediately caught my eye. Jesus immediately saved Peter from sinking down into the water. Peter had enough faith to step out of the boat and to begin walking toward Jesus on the water. However, with the winds and the waves crashing all around him, Peter’s focus was drawn to the storm that was transpiring. As he began to sink, Jesus immediately helped Peter.
When we placed our faith and trust in Jesus, He immediately—at that exact moment—saved us from our sin. When we grieve a loss, we can call on the Lord; and He will immediately be there to comfort us. When we do not know how we are going to make it through another day, we can rest assured in the fact that we serve a God Who immediately is there to keep us upright. Not when He gets a chance, and not when He has time on His calendar; but immediately, He is there!
Friend, I hope this will be a reminder to us all that Jesus Who immediately stretched forth His hand that day to catch Peter is the same Jesus we serve.
For the unsaved lady: He is ready for you to call on Him today to save you from your sins. Eternal life can be yours immediately!
For the Christian lady who has lost focus, has taken her eyes off Him, and is sinking into her problems: He will catch you immediately when you call on Him.
How easy it is to become distracted in this life. However, I am thankful we serve a Saviour Who never fails, is never distracted, and has no limitations to keep Him from being there for His children—immediately.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”
– Helen Howarth Lemmel
by Mandy Harper
