Finding the Light in TraumaSample

DAY 6

SAVE ME

Welcome back! We are almost done with our week’s study on trauma as we look at Matthew 14:20-33. Jesus had just performed a miracle by feeding ten thousand or more people from five loaves and two fish. Scripture tells us all who ate were satisfied and there were even twelve baskets full of leftovers (Matthew 14:20). As the disciples gathered the leftovers, took up the baskets and left for crossing the sea, Jesus dismissed the crowds and went up the mountain to pray (Matthew 14:23). Jesus looked down at His disciples as a great wind was against them and He walked to them across the waters (Matthew 14:25). However, the disciples were afraid and thought they were seeing a ghost, but Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid!” (Matthew 14:27). It was in this moment Peter needed some reassurance that it was actually Jesus there by their side.

Jesus called out and Peter too was walking on water! With the wind gaining strength and the disciples’ fears of demonic waters against them, Peter was at peace. He looked into the eyes of Jesus as he defied all forces of nature and walked effortlessly toward Jesus.

Today we will understand what doubt can do in our faith. Let us read Matthew 14:30:

30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Note as soon as Peter took his focus off of Jesus, he noticed the wind. With his focus on the threat, Peter began to sink.

Trauma is not one deeply distressing event, but it is remnants of that event that come back in waves and can debilitate us from moving forward mentally healthy.

Unfortunately, just as the Sea of Galilee is prone to unexpected violent storms, trauma is prone to unexpected memories, flashbacks, terrors, and distress that can strike at any moment.

When Peter kept his focus on Jesus there by his side, he was defying the laws of nature; but as soon as the focus was distracted, faith was slipping away and he started to sink.

Remember in moments when the storm unexpectedly hits, you are sitting right next to your baskets. God has already proven to you His mighty power. It’s ok to reassure yourself that God is by your side, but remember to keep focused on the One who can save you!

I invite you back tomorrow as we study the last part of our Scripture this week and learn, once again, how powerful God is.

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