Jesus’ Hand Is Already Stretching Out
Sunday’s Verse:
From Matthew 14:31 ESV
Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Peter started to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and noticed the wind and waves surrounding him. But the focus of this passage is not Peter’s lack of faith. It’s Christ’s quick compassion. Before Peter could rescue himself, Jesus extended His hand to grasp him.
In our lives, we can experience storms that threaten to overwhelm us with fear, anxiety, sadness, or sin. Our faith can grow weak, and our eyes may turn from our Savior to focus on our troubles. But Christ doesn’t wait for us to get our footing again. He comes to us in grace. By His cross, He took hold of us, and by His Word and Sacraments, He continues to build our faith up.
When you start to sink, pray to Christ like Peter did, “Lord, save me.” And know that Christ’s hand is already stretched out for you.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, when my faith grows weak and my heart is troubled, restore my vision once again to You. Hold me fast by Your grace, forgive me of my disbelief, and keep me safely in Your love. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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