HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part V)

HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part V)

When twelve disciples were dispatched by Jesus from one shoreline to another, Peter had no way of knowing that before night’s end he would literally go where no man had gone before.  As twelve ‘boat-boys’ huddled haplessly in desperate fear, deadly winds, deep waters and devastating waves dashed against their vessel and threatened to sink and destroy.  Peter had no clue that in mere moments HE WOULD BE WALKING OUTSIDE THE BOAT…first confronting, then conquering crazy circumstances, literally striding along on top of terrifying waves!  Isn’t it just like GOD to transform our times of anxiety and anguish into opportunities to demonstrate that HIS POWER IS ON DISPLAY IN US?  What an awesome God!  I say it quite often: God is always up to something behind the scenes! 

Let’s revisit a pertinent portion of the scriptural passage which is the foundation for this devotional series: “And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a spirit,’ and they cried out for fear.  But straightway Jesus spoke to them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.  And he said, Come.  And when Peter came 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, why did you doubt?  And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.” (Matthew 14:25-32)

Some are prone to criticize Peter for failure to sustain that miraculous water-walk.  My response to his critics is simply this: ‘Who among us can testify personally to having walked on water, like Peter?’  To be candid, most of us (myself included) would never have requested to exit that boat in the first place – especially in light of the horrifying sea experiences those disciples had been navigating, all in complete darkness!  A careful reading of this passage informs us that the storm was not abated until AFTER Jesus and Peter entered the boat together.  Think about it.  Peter had such great faith that he volunteered to head out INTO THE STORM, just to be in close proximity with JESUS!  Wow!  Skeptics suggest that Peter was only able to do this because JESUS WAS THERE.  My response to every shore-hugging-skeptic comes in the form of two key questions: (1) When you and I are HESITANT or REFUSE to launch out into the deep and fulfill our purpose and destiny, ISN’T GOD ALWAYS THERE?  (2) And any time we garner sufficient faith to move ahead and launch out (despite momentary setbacks), ISN’T GOD ALWAYS THERE?  We call Him JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH because “THE LORD IS [ALWAYS] THERE!” (Ezekiel 48:35)

Nevertheless, all of us would have gazed LONG AND HARD at the water BEFORE we got out of that boat, and most of us would have logically refused to disembark.  In other words, we have the tendency to become psychologically and spiritually frozen – trapped in the paralysis of analysis – STUCK IN PLACE for days or decades.  Might I make a suggestion to ALL, myself included?  What we really need is A NEW ATTITUDE! Please don’t judge me for highlighting a secular song, but years ago I listened to Patti LaBelle singing about “A New Attitude.”  The lyrics went something like this: “I’m feeling good from my head to my shoes.  I know where I’m going, and I know what to do.  I’ve tidied up my point of view.  I’ve got a new attitude!”  Finishing with her uniquely stylish flair, Pattie crooned “OO-OO-OO-OO…I’VE GOT A NEW ATTITUDE!”

Sisters and brothers, I dare US to STEP OUT OF OUR BOAT at the command of OUR LORD!  If we should somehow falter along the way, JEHOVAH SHAMMAH IS THERE for a rapid rescue; we only need to CALL HIS NAME!  The Word reveals that when Jesus and Peter finally came into the boat, THE WIND CEASED.  I dare US to invite JESUS on-board our vessel.  Prevailing conditions will instantaneously change!  In the realization of His demonstrated power over their storm, twelve disciples gathered around to worship the Son of the Living God.  And with JESUS on board, they sailed forward with strength, security, sensibility, stability and success!  

This scripture passage ends with a simple status report: “And when they were gone over, they came unto the land of GENNESARET.”  The name, “Gennesaret,” literally means “a garden of riches.”  Jesus knew the character and content of the place He had dispatched them to, but He also knew that their faith would be enhanced by encountering difficult challenges along the way.  GENNESARET was simply a divine appointment awaiting fulfillment.  Indeed, WHEREVER GOD GUIDES, GOD PROVIDES.  Therefore, if JESUS ever sends you anywhere…JUST GO…because HE HAS GREAT EXPECTATIONS THERE for your service and success.  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE.” (Jeremiah 29:11)  My friend, that is precisely how you are fully equipped to handle any frustrating circumstances!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!