Marines

Photo Information

Quantico Logo

Photo by

Hope in the struggle

20 Jan 2016 | Chaplain Daniel J. Robinson; LT, CHC, USN, Command Chaplain, Officer Candidates School Marine Corps Base Quantico

So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:28-31, NKJV).

Without the Lord in my life I am in over my head. I am in over my head as a Christian. I am in over my head as a husband, a father, and a friend. I am in over my head at work. At worst I drown in doubt and at best I frantically tread water when my capacity to believe is confined to what I see in my circumstances. Indeed, God’s grace gives me spiritual buoyancy so I am not swept away by the rip tide of trust in myself. The sooner I confess that I am in over my head — the faster my faith focuses on Jesus. I sink alone. I swim with my Savior.

Courageous Peter was the only disciple to get out of the boat and walk toward Jesus. His step of faith puzzled the frightened majority at first. Huddled behind they trembled, terrified—but Peter’s trust in Jesus gave them hope. His willingness to get out of the boat and not confine Christ to his small box of belief lifted everyone’s trust in the Lord. Doubt reconvened in Peter’s heart, but his step of faith allowed him to grab the hand of God. Because He knew He was in over his head — Jesus kept His head above water. God replaces our sinking feeling with His rising assurance.

And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshipped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:32-33).

Do you feel like you are in over your head? Are you in a situation that requires a larger faith capacity to carry out God’s will? Raising children can bring about an “in over your head” feeling. It’s like your nose just breaks the surface of the water, while everything else is submerged. One little push downward fills your nostrils with water — you become frantic, unable to breathe. Parental responsibilities seem endless and like the ocean waves they never stop crashing against you. You are not alone. It’s good, even necessary for you to engage with like-minded parents. Those a step ahead can offer hope.

Most of all, grab the hand of God. Christ reaches out to catch you. He is a sympathizing Savior who lifts you out of your drowning condition and holds you with His comforting peace. Take care of yourself, so you are able to take care of others. Yes, it may be your step of faith that empowers those around you to step out in faith. Better one with imperfect faith who ventures from their comfort zone, than 10 who wait in fear for their faith to be perfected. Submerged in the grace of God, you swim securely. In over your head with Jesus moves you ahead in His will.

But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, Hear me in the truth of Your salvation.

Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink; Let me be delivered from those who hate me, And out of the deep waters. (Psalm 69:13-14).


Marine Corps Base Quantico