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Sometimes I will call my husband on the phone to tell him something, and he will not answer. Even if he calls me back within just minutes, I have forgotten why I called him. Remembering instead of forgetting can be challenging and even stressful.
My lapse of memory got me to thinking. I remembered the account in the gospel of John when Jesus fed more than 5,000 people and walked on the water (Matthew 14:14-33). In verses 14-21, a crowd of 5,000 men plus women and children had gathered to see Jesus in a desolate area. By late evening, the disciples thought it was logical to send the crowd into the villages to eat a meal. Jesus told them to provide a meal for everyone. The disciples declared that was not possible because the only food available was five loaves of bread and two fish.
Within days they had forgotten the many miracles Jesus had performed and that He was the Son of God. All they had to do was seek His help. Don’t we sometimes do the same? We forget His work in our lives and the lives of others and see things as impossible without seeking Him in faith? The outcome of this account is recorded in verses 19-20. Jesus provided enough food to satisfy the crowd and afterward there were 12 baskets of leftovers.
Within hours, however, the disciples would forget Jesus’ feeding of the crowd when they found themselves in a boat at sea “being battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary” (v. 24). And, as they were facing a natural fury, something else happened: “And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear." (vv.25-26) Maybe when you read this account, at this point, you are thinking that the Lord sure did choose a bunch of forgetful wimps as His disciples.
I know another forgetful wimp chosen by Him, myself. Sometimes even with the full counsel of scripture, my own life experiences, and observing the experiences of others, I am still a forgetful wimp lacking faith when difficult circumstances come into my life. What must I do to avoid this? Commit to remember what I know about my Lord from scripture and experiences.
Jesus responded to the disciples with these words, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Within minutes, Peter responded with these words to Jesus, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." Jesus replied, “Come!” Peter then stepped out of the boat and walked. However, he forgot to have faith in the One who allowed him to walk and began to panic. “But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ We too can forget to have faith in the One who allows us to experience our circumstances. “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him and said to him, ‘You of little faith why did you doubt?’ And it is very interesting how Matthew brought this account of scripture to a close in verses 32-33, “When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘You are certainly God’s son!’ If this had been the last time the disciples lived without forgetting who Jesus was, and all they had experienced with Him, it would be great, but it wasn’t.
Are we not like the disciples as well? There are two important principles from Matthew 14:14-33. Do not forget who Jesus is from the scripture, our life experiences, and the experiences of others. Second, do not allow our faith to be attacked when confronted with difficult circumstances. I want to live a life committed to these principles. Will you join me in this commitment for your life?
Let us say yes to His word,
Jamie Trisler (twin sister of Amy Barron)
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