Romans 15:4 states, “everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

Let’s take a moment to refresh ourselves on the events of Matthew 14:22-33:

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.

When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Now, let’s apply the Romans 12:2 approach to this passage.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1. Look Out – Search the pattern of this world!

How were all the disciples responding to the storm and to seeing Jesus on the water? They believed that he was a ghost, and they cried out in fear. Isn’t this the natural response to something like this? The pattern of the world is to see the worst case scenario, and to focus on it. Fear can overwhelm us so much that we totally miss the cool stuff. In this case, it was the fact that Jesus was walking on water!

2. Look In – Search your thoughts (and Peter’s thoughts)!

How would you respond if you were there? You were being blow and tossed about by the sea, and you looked out to see someone or something walking on the water. Would you respond like the rest of the world, or would you recognize him as someone who could save you?

Peter might have responded with fear initially, but he definitely didn’t once he knew it was Jesus! Would you have asked to come out on the water? Would you have stepped out of the boat? Or, would you have been like the rest of the disciples in the boat and been content with staying in what you knew could float?

We really don’t have to think too hard to relate to Peter and his sinking moment. He became distracted and took his eyes off of Jesus. Have you ever done that? You stepped out in faith and even though Jesus gave you permission to do it, you began to doubt whether you could. Then, you began to sink from the weight and burden of the moment…

3. Look Up – Search for Jesus!

Once Peter began to sink, he cried out for Jesus. I don’t know if you noticed, but the scripture says that Jesus immediately reached out and caught him. He will do the same for us! Jesus is always above the circumstances that we seem to be sinking in. He always has authority over the real-life drama that beats against us. In each of life’s battles, all we have to do is cry out to Him.

We will Fear Less when we search for Jesus more, and align our minds to see Him above it all!

Challenge: Today, take your toughest issue and apply the Romans 12:2 approach to it! Let the truth reign supreme in your thought life. “Fear is a liar!”