Grace to Grow: Release Anxiety and Find PurposeSample

Save Me

The storm tortured the ship with waves, as streaks of light cut across the sky. Although they had been pulling the oars all night, the men weren’t much closer to their destination. Their minds and muscles fatigued to the point of failure. Sinking in the middle of the sea seemed inevitable.

One of the men shouted, “We’re going to have to let her run aground.”

Peter responded over the others, “No, that’s too risky.”

The rest of the disciples held their paddles as rain poured over their faces. “What do you want us to do then?”

“I…I…” Peter dropped his head and oars too.

As the crew looked out over the water, a figure approached the ship. The disciples couldn’t identify it, but it was coming closer. The men gripped the railing. “It’s…it’s a ghost!”

Jesus stopped his forward motion. “Don’t fear! Have courage!” The command bounced off the men as they blinked in disbelief. Jesus looked at each disciple and weighed his next words. “I AM.”

The declaration motivated Peter to move. “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” (Matthew 14:28 ESV).

The disciples grabbed at Peter as he swung his legs over the side of the ship. “What are you doing?” Peter braced himself on the side of the boat. With eyes shut, he threw himself over the edge. He waited for the water to submerge him. It didn’t. Everyone held their breath, including Jesus. The waves rolled beneath Peter’s feet but somehow stayed firm. He slid one foot forward. Then another. Peter locked on Jesus as he shuffled closer.

Suddenly the water rushed beneath him as the wind picked up. Peter watched as the waves crested, then he turned back to Jesus. His feet sank into the water as panic pulled him under. Peter was stuck between the storm and the savior. “‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted” (Matthew 14:30 NLT). Jesus immediately grabbed Peter’s hand and pulled him up.

Jesus’ grip held Peter firm until he relaxed. “Why is your faith so weak?” Jesus sighed and walked Peter back to the boat, as the other disciples stood against the wind and stared. “Can one of you help us up?” With Jesus aboard, the storm went silent. When the disciples looked ahead, the boat was resting onshore. The reality of their rescue washed over them, and each man dropped to his knees. “You really are the Son of God!” (Matthew 14:33 NLT).

When waves of worry, doubt, and stress threaten to drown you, reach out to Jesus. Call out your own Save me! to the Lord. In that two-word phrase is a distress signal for total rescue. The Lord embraces all who call on him.

Jesus is the I AM who empowers you to do what seems impossible. He is the Savior who reaches down to pull you up. Jesus is Emmanuel, the God-with-you. He climbs into your life and calms the storm. Jesus is the deliverer who directs you to the destination. Jesus is the source of all your needs, and waves of chaos still obey him.

Pause to Reflect

• When life overwhelms and underdelivers, call out Save Me! to the Lord.
• Jesus has all power, is with you, and cares about every problem.
• Winds of worry and waves of stress must bow to the King of kings.

Pause to Pray

Lord Jesus, you’re all I need when I feel like I’m sinking. Today, I call out to you to save me from the storms. Deliver me from sin. Rescue me from trouble. Protect me from harm. All the waves in my life must submit to you. You are the great I AM, and you’re with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.