Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at a small church in Coalport, PA, where I shared the text of Matthew 14:22-33. Perhaps you are like me and read through these familiar stories very quickly because let’s face it, we’ve read them a thousand times, memorized the verses, and some churches still use those old felt tip “action figures” when discussing the story in Sunday school. I can become callous to the familiar.

However, this “story” meant something a bit more to me at this point in my life because I, like the disciples, am going through my own little storm. It certainly pales in comparison to what the people in Haiti and Chile are going through, but it’s a storm, nonetheless. For almost three years I have been waiting for the Lord to open a door of ministry. Time after time after time after. . .the doors have closed. There have been some moments where I have just wanted to throw in the towel. But, there have also been some “God moments” where the Lord would just show up in His own way and bring some peace in the midst of the chaos. If you are at a place in your life where you have been waiting on God for any length of time, especially when the days, weeks, and months become years, then you can certainly understand.

What the Lord showed me through this passage was that He wanted me to rise above my frustration, rise above my fear, and rise above my weaknesses. These disciples are just like you and me. We can go through life being frustrated that we are rowing so hard but hardly making any headway. We can become fearful of the waves of circumstances that surround us. And we can operate in a state of weakness.

It’s a simple lesson, really. One that we never seem to learn. The disciples had been through a similar storm before, the one where Jesus was asleep in the boat. They doubted then and they doubted now.

If you are frustrated, fearful, and seem to be walking in weakness, take courage. Jesus is on the mountain making intercession for you and I as we speak. He is the right hand of God, the same right hand the bent over and lifted Peter out of the water. The same right hand that will cause you to rise above your frustrations, your fears, and your weaknesses when you make the choice to keep your focus on Him.