By Carol Round – “Come!” answered Jesus. So, Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. “Save me, Lord!” he cried— Matthew 14:29-30 (GNT).
When I read the story of Peter taking a step out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus, I’m amazed. While Peter has been described as impulsive, outspoken, and headstrong, he was also courageous.
Jesus commanded Peter to come. But when Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink. How many times do we lose focus and take our eyes from our Savior? Confession—I have.
When I’ve lost my way, starting to sink in despair, I’ve found only one thing matters. Returning to the throne of His grace, I give Him my fears, my hopes, and my negativity.
The Throne of His Grace
In a recent devotional, the author shared her experience of being laid off from her job of over 11 years. In despair, she became physically ill. Her hope was renewed, however, when she read another writer’s devotional in the same publication. Matthew 14:22-33 was the featured scripture in that day’s reading.
The author wrote, “The writer reminded me that instead of looking down into the stormy waters, I needed to look up. From then on, whenever I was getting discouraged about my job search, I reminded myself to look up.”
Soon after, her pastor’s Sunday sermon focused on “looking up in trust, looking back in gratitude, and looking forward in hope.” It was then that the author realized she needed to be thankful for the great jobs God had provided for her in the past. By looking up in trust, back in gratitude, and forward in hope, she knew God would give her the strength and hope, and knew He would provide for her again.
Looking Up, Looking Back, Looking Forward
For 20 years, I’ve been writing Christian columns and blog posts, and I have authored nine books. I’ve been blessed with readers who have become friends. Those who’ve contacted me through my blog and through social media offered words of encouragement or thanked me for the words I wrote.
I’ve been praying this year, asking God to show me the next step He wants me to take in my life. I’ve asked Him for assurance that I’m on the right path. He has given me peace that my future is in His hands and in His timing. It’s a bittersweet decision, but I’m ready for the next step on this journey.
This is my final blog post. I will be focusing on writing for national publications, but I wish to stay in touch with my readers. I’m considering doing a quarterly newsletter with updates, not only about my writing but offering other Christian resources for you. If you wish to stay in touch, please send me an email at [email protected]. You can also find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/carolaround where I offer daily encouragement to others.
I hope you continue to connect with Jesus through prayer and reading your Bible daily or simply sitting in quiet reflection. I pray you and your families will find the peace and hope found in an intimate relationship with your Savior and Lord. Merry Christmas, my friends. You have been a blessing for allowing me to be a part of your world. I am truly humbled.
Photo by Илья Мельниченко on Unsplash
