Lift Him Up

NKJ Matthew 14:30-32 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

Escalators are fun; they can make life easier – no walking up and down flights of stairs. But they can also be intimidating to children and the elderly. When Michelle was very young she needed help on and off the escalator. If we didn’t hold her hand she could manage to get one, but not both feet, on the first escalator step. Since it was in constant motion it would take off with the one foot leaving the other dragging behind, or causing her to fall. Getting off the escalator was no easy feat either. She would invariably miss time her step and get one or both feet caught at the end. Either way, on or off the escalator, was still an embarrassment, even for one so young. But once safely on, she enjoyed the ride, it was just getting on. It was a fun experience teaching her how to properly time and position her steps so she could “step aboard”. In the beginning I would simply lift her up and on, as time went by I would help her on, till eventually I would watch (very closely and still beside her) as she got on.

Peter needed help to. He saw Jesus walking on the waves and wanted to join Him. His first experience at wave walking literally turned into a “wash” for Peter. He took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink – sinking but not sunk. As he cried out to Jesus for help, Jesus was right there ready to lift him up. Peter actually walked on water twice; the first time towards Jesus, the second time back to the boat with Jesus. I don’t think he took his eyes or hands off Jesus that time.

We are all continuing to develop a better walk with Jesus. But many don’t know where to begin – how to get on board this “walk of faith”. Struggles with life or relationships may hinder someone. Simply not knowing how or where to begin forging a relationship of faith and love in Jesus becomes a great obstacle. Any time we don’t know how to do something it makes the task that much more of a struggle. But it becomes so much easier when a friend gives a helping hand, showing us the way through a gentle leading. If our eyes and ears are attuned to the needs of those around us God will give us wisdom to lift others up. May God use you today as His instrument of help and healing, to lift someone around you up to Jesus, lifting Jesus up before them.

Would you enjoy some friendly assistance in your walk with Jesus? Please contact us, or the nearest Seventh-day Adventist Church – you’ll generally find one in the yellow pages of your phone book. I look forward to hearing from you.

Pastor Mike Wise