The Here and Now
by Annalene Holtzhausen
One can only admire Peter’s bold faith when he jumped out of that boat and trusted Jesus for a miracle. Peter had seen enough to believe that for God all things are possible. And Peter actually walked on the water! But then he looked down.
This account of Peter became more real in my own life when I realised that I find it easier to trust that God will work all things for good in the end. It gives me hope and a reason to carry on; to keep going through the storm and encourage those around me. But when something goes wrong in the moment, I tend to lose my nerve, as Peter did. I find it easier to trust Him in the bigger picture than in the here and now.
Maybe it’s because I still have a preconceived idea of how things should be and how they should fit into the bigger picture. Fear of the outcome brings doubt. Actually, I’m trying to control the situation when I react in this way.
A recent situation brought the question to my mind, “Will you still trust Me for the bigger picture even if the here and now situation goes wrong?” It makes me think of puzzle pieces that the Lord is putting together to become a magnificent work and only He knows what it will look like. The when, where and how of each piece is not my responsibility. Even if some pieces fall on the floor in the process, the Lord knows about each one and will bring it to perfect completion.
When Peter called out for help (verse 30), we read, ‘Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand’ (Matthew 14:31). I need to let go and realise that, even if the here and now situation goes wrong within the bigger ‘storm’, it is still all part of God’s perfect plan for our growth and our lives.
He uses each and every situation to draw us nearer to Him and to grow us in His truth and love. We just need yield to His goodness and trust His plans. ‘Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our Potter, and we all are the work of Your hand’ (Isaiah 64:8, AMPC).
Prayer: Dear Father, today I just want to thank You for Your goodness and understanding of who I am. Please forgive me for the times when doubt and fear creep in. Thank You for reminding me that You are always in control and that nothing escapes Your attention. I trust You with my life and the lives of those around me. Amen.
Annalene Holtzhausen is on the Associate Team at Ellel, Africa. She is married to Renier, who introduced her to Ellel Ministries. She is a full-time mother to their two boys. Her passion is for the restoration of women’s hearts and for people to find their worth in the Lord.
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