In Matthew 14, we read about the story of Jesus walking on water.  We also read about Peter getting out of the boat and walking toward Jesus.  But at some point he remembers that the waves are against him and he remembers he shouldn't be able to walk on water and begins to sink.  I know (figuratively), what he feels like.

Today, my little sister had her first baby.  A little girl named Laila Lee.  Besides the fact that she looks like her dad, she is perfect and beautiful!  All in all, the day couldn't have gone better.  So why was I so anxious this afternoon before her arrival?

A little history...to say the last few years have been hard would be an understatement.  I went 33 years before life truly got painful.  I went through 33 years of being absolutely blessed, or what I think is being blessed (more on that another time).  Then one day...pow, my mom has cancer.  Smack, mom loses her battle to cancer.  Bam, my sister's best friend (whom we also loved dearly) suddenly dies. Splish/Splash, my wife and I endure two miscarriages.  Boom, my wife's dad dies.  So to say, "we have been through it" feels a bit underwhelming.

So today, when my sister wakes up early because she feels small contractions and ends up at the doctor's office and they say, "We think we need to do a C-section because your baby is under some kind of stress," I immediately started sinking in the water.  My mind goes straight to the last two years instead of the 33 other years.

Why did I do that?  Why do we do that?  Peter did it too!  You see, he had been with Jesus.  That same day, he had just seen Jesus feed 5,000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish. And yet, the waves and wind got into his mind and he remembered the storm and the fact that he shouldn't be able to walk on water.  And he started to sink.

Today, I forgot about the fact that Jesus has done some incredible miracles in my life as well.  I forgot the fact that I was able to wake up today forgiven and free because of grace and the cross.  But the awesome part of the story is, like Peter, Jesus reached down and took my hand and reminded me of His power.  He watched over my sister and her little baby and another miracle happened today with her birth.  Then, just like verse 33, I was able to walk away worshipping...all the way to church where I was able to sing with some of my favorite people, on some of my favorite praise songs.

"Truly You are the Son of God."

Brian Lucas, Experience Leader, Danville Campus