Shouted Prayers

One of the coolest miracles in the Bible was when Jesus walked on water. It's a miracle because people can't walk on water! It was another sign that Jesus was not only human; He was supernatural. He was God in human form. 

Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, and he asked a question:

Peter replied, "Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water." 

 The Holy Bible: The Contemporary English Version, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), Mt 14:28.

This guy had some serious faith! It's one thing to watch a miracle happening, but it's another thing altogether to ask to take part in the miracle. But that's who Peter was; he was bold and full of enthusiasm. 

Remember back in your school years when the teacher would ask for a volunteer? It always seemed as though there were just a handful of kids who'd raise their hands even before they knew what the task was going to be. I'd guess Peter would have been the first to raise his hand. Out on the water, we was eager to test his faith in Jesus. 

We can learn many lessons about this story, but the one I want to point out to you today is Peter's prayer. You see, Peter did step out on the water, and the miraculous happened; he stood as if he were on dry land! He only started to sink when he looked around and saw the storm. 

Let's look at the prayer he prayed:

But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. 

 The Holy Bible: The Contemporary English Version, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), Mt 14:30.

Prayer can be all sorts of things. Sometimes, it's quiet speaking out loud; it can be private in our heads, or like Peter in this story, prayer can be shouted. Prayer is communicating with God. 

In his moment of fear, Peter's prayer was a shout for help! There are times in life when we desperately need help. We can feel just like Peter. We've been walking in faith, but then, out of nowhere, we find ourselves sinking. And if we don't get help, we know that we might drown.  

What I like most about this story is that Peter never lost faith in Jesus. He just lost faith in himself. I know that because at the moment he started to sink, he called out for help to Jesus. He didn't call for the other men in the boat to help him; he knew that Jesus could save him. 

And that's what Jesus did:

31 Right away, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up...

 The Holy Bible: The Contemporary English Version, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), Mt 14:31.

My encouragement to you today is to trust in Jesus to save you. In your strength, you might be sinking. Even though you've been walking in faith for a while, the storm might just about have you beat. Remember who has saved you and who will keep you saved. Jesus is just a prayer away. Call out to Him today!