“When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’”             Matthew 14:26-31

Many years ago, I struggled with a decision about a job. Should I apply for that job posting? Is it the right thing to do for my family? Of course my husband and I talked about it and he was supportive in whatever I decided to do; but, I still struggled with whether or not to apply for it. It was a big deal. It would mean many changes for our family. 

As I continued to struggle with the idea, my husband questioned my hesitations. I shared with him that I had prayed about it but God just wasn’t answering my question. It was then that my husband made a profound statement that has stuck with me ever since. 

He said, “Well, He isn’t going to put it on a billboard, you know!”

But that is what I want. I need clear directions. The slap you in the face, anyone could see that kind of answers in my life. And most often that is not the form of the answers we get from God. 

So often I fail to recognize the answers to my prayers, my questions, my ponderings when they are right there. So often, like Peter, I fail to recognize Jesus when He is right in front of me. I fail to recognize Him just when I need Him most.

When do you recognize Jesus? Is it in the flowers blooming, leaves falling, or birds chirping? Is it in the clearly answered prayer, the sickness cured, a job gained, or a loved one returned home? That is when I see Him and he is oh, so clear then.

Somehow, I fail to see Him during the rain, in the aftermath of a deadly storm, or when immobilized by snow. I often don’t recognize Him when sickness claims a life, a job is lost, a prayer goes unanswered, or a loved one pushes me away.

In my heart, I know He is there. I just don’t see Him. 

Yes, most of us fail to recognize Jesus when He is right in front of us with outstretched arms trying to pull us closer. 

Just like the disciples, we think we see Him – but could it be?

We question and test Him.

How many times have you started a prayer like this: Lord, if you are really there then…Lord, just show me… Lord, if you let this happen then I will … 

We pray those prayers not realizing or not wanting to realize He is right there, walking on water, trying to reveal Himself to us.

We still want more. More proof. More reassurance before we believe our eyes. 

My prayer today is that I learn to recognize Jesus in all aspects of my life. That I learn to trust more each day in His plan for my life. 

Just think of how much we can add to our daily lives by recognizing Jesus first – in the calm and the storm. What a blessing to know He is always there. In the middle of it all.

I challenge you to recognize Jesus today – not just in nature or in those acts of kindness you see but in making that decision you have been putting off, in that difficult person you encounter, or during a difficult situation.

He is there – can’t you see Him?

“ When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘You are certainly God’s Son!’”             Matthew 14:32-33