This week we continue the thought that life is all about making choices/decisions.

When we first hear it, maybe we are tempted to say, "So, what's the big deal about that!" It sounds so simple and, really, it is simple but at the same time, most difficult. Let's look more closely at the story of Jesus walking on the water (Matthew 14:25-31). At the invitation of Jesus to come & join Him, Peter was confronted with having to make a decision: does he accept the invitation of Jesus to join him, or does he stay in the boat and miss out on the opportunity that was presented to him? Before he could talk himself out of it, Peter had both legs over the side of the boat and found himself doing the impossible - walking on the water. Things were going quite well for him as long as he kept his eyes on the goal - being with Jesus. But suddenly, something happened! In all likelihood, two things hit him, both at the same time.

First, his focus shifted! He took his eyes off the goal & redirected his attention unto circumstances. And the moment he did that, fear seized him! It all happened so quickly that Peter probably was not aware that he was about to make a decision. It was all a "knee-jerk" reaction to the fear that suddenly gripped him.

Second, his self-talk changed! Up till now, Peter had been listening to the tape that was playing inside his head that told him he was doing the thing that he really wanted to do. Without being conscious of it , the tape inside his head changed sides and now he was hearing a different message! The message he was now hearing was accusing & blaming him for being so stupid to think he could walk on water. What would his friends think of him now! He could hear them all laughing at him. And the more he listened to that side of the tape, the inevitable happened! He began to sink! But the story doesn't end there! Jesus doesn't get angry at him - doesn't put him down! Instead, He offers His hand to Peter. And Jesus has been doing that ever since! Offering us His hand! He wants us to take that "step of faith" - make that decision to embrace a healthier lifestyle - to give up that addiction - to invite Christ into our life. And He wants us to know that whenever He sees us "sinking" or "faltering" His outstretched hand will always be available for us to grab unto! He loves you & I too much to let us drown!

(Continued next week)