In Front of You

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. Matthew 14:28-30

This morning I opened the refrigerator looking for the jelly. I moved the salsa, slid the pepperoncinis aside, picked up the salad dressing, and muttered about how my husband must have used it all and failed to put it on the grocery list.

Clearly, this was not a “me” problem.

Until it was.

After several seconds of unnecessary searching, I discovered the jelly had been sitting right in front of me the whole time.

Eye level.

I had literally moved out of the way the very thing I was looking for.

It made me wonder how often we do the same thing with God.

Some look at wars, disease, suffering, and heartbreak and conclude that God must be distant or doesn't exist at all. But even Jesus followers can become distracted. We watch the wind and the waves instead of the Savior who never sinks.

God has never been distant. He is present in a thousand ordinary gifts we often overlook—flowers blooming, food growing from the earth, meals on our tables, and people to love and be loved by.

The Bible tells us something beautiful:

God holds our right hand in His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10,13).

I picture Jesus holding your right hand with His while walking backward in front of you. His eyes are fixed on yours as He leads, teaches, and reassures you.

He's not behind you pushing.

He's right in front of you.

Peter walked on water as long as his eyes remained on Jesus. But when he focused on the wind and the waves, fear took over and he began to sink.

Nothing about the storm changed.

Only Peter's focus changed.

The same is true for you.

Fear grows when your eyes are fixed on the waves. Peace grows when your eyes are fixed on Jesus.

Perhaps it's time to move a few things out of the way and fix your eyes on the One who has been right in front of you all along.

You are loved!