Blue Fins

Jesus said, “Come ahead.”  Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”  Matthew 14:29-30 The Message

 

Blue fins.  All I had to do was keep my eyes on the blue fins, and everything would be alright.  I was safe.

 

I was snorkeling with my family in Florida for our annual beach vacation.  In my hot pink fins with a matching mask and a yellow snorkel, I was eager to get in the water.  The jetties where we were swimming was the home of beautiful, brightly colored fish and other sea creatures, and we even saw some wormy looking animals that I can only describe as miniature Christmas lights. 

 

When God created the ocean, He created infinite possibilities.  I believe that we will never be able to fully know and understand everything about the ocean and its unfathomable wonder and beauty just like we will never be able to fully know and understand everything about God and his incomprehensible power and love.  As humans, all we can do is to try, study, pray, seek counsel… and Google.  Although, I still have no idea what those Christmas light worms are so Google does not know everything either.  But this is part of the reason why I love the ocean: the endless possibilities, the wonder, the beauty are all fascinating to me.

 

I was on a mission to find some unique seashells, but I knew I had to be extra careful to stay close to the family.  Although I have always had a passion for the beach, I will admit that I am not exactly the strongest swimmer so I stayed close to my dad.  (Yes, I’m a total Daddy’s girl!)  Plus, I always like to stay near someone that I think would beat up a shark for me.  My dad’s fins were bright, royal blue, and I could see them pretty clearly in the water.  I would look for fish and seashells, but I kept his blue fins in sight at all times.  Those blue fins meant safety.  A few times I would fall behind the group, and if I couldn't see the blue fins, I would immediately shoot to the surface and look for my family.

 

Jesus was Peter’s blue fins.  Peter felt bold, brave, and unconquerable when he stepped out of the boat to meet Jesus.  But when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, he got scared and began to sink.  When we take our focus off of Jesus, we get scared and begin to worry.  We worry about work, school, family, finances, friends, and everything else in this fast-paced life.  Jesus tells us that He takes care of the birds and the flowers, and we are more valuable to Him so we should not worry because He will always provide for us (Matthew 6:25-34).  

 

When life is getting hectic and blurry, when the waves are churning beneath your feet, when you are wondering how you will even make it through the day, focus on Jesus.  Call out to Jesus for help like Peter, “Master, save me!”  He is the only one that can give you peace, patience, and strength.  Mr. Worry only gives you stress, confusion, and acne.  Yes, it’s easier said than done, but a good starting point is literally looking at Jesus.  Take a minute out of your day and open God’s word.  Look for a verse about God’s love and remember that God will never leave you or forsake you, and He will always take care of you (Deuteronomy 31:6).