All night long the disciples were in sad distress, trying with all their might to row their ship to land, but all they could do was of no use. At last they saw a man walking on the sea. There he was in the midst of the great waves, walking as on the dry land. He went faster than the ship, and seemed as if he would pass by it. The disciples did not know who it was. They thought it could not be a man with a body like ours; they supposed it was a spirit, who has no body. They were very much frightened, and they cried out in their trouble. Then they heard a voice saying, "It is I, be not afraid." Whose voice was that? You know, and they knew; it was the voice of Jesus. Though the winds were whistling and the waves roaring, his voice could be heard.
One of the disciples, named Peter, said, "Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water." Jesus said, "Come." So Peter got out of the ship and walked on the water to go to Jesus. He believed that Jesus could help him to walk on the water, and Jesus did help him. But when Peter saw how high the wind was, he began to be afraid. This was wrong. He ought to have trusted in Jesus. Soon he felt that he was sinking, and he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus heard that short prayer; he was very near, and he stretched out his hand, and caught hold of Peter.
Trusting in God is called faith. Peter had a little faith, but not much. So he was able to walk on the water a little way, but not far. Jesus went into the ship and took Peter with him, and as soon as he was there the wind left off blowing. Then all the disciples came round him and worshipped him, saying, "Truly thou art the Son of God."
It is this Jesus who can help you in your troubles. Will you trust him? Do not be like Peter, and only trust him a little while, but go on trusting in him, and you will find that he will keep you safe, and make you happy. He forgives sins, which no one else can do, because he died upon the cross to save us from our sins. When we are dying he will not leave us if we trust in him, but he will comfort us and take us to heaven.
This history you will find in Matt. xiv. 22—33; Mark vi. 45—52.
I lay my sins on Jesus,
The spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all, and frees us
From the accursed load.
I bring my guilt to Jesus,
To wash my crimson stains
White in his blood most precious,
Till not a spot remains.
I lay my wants on Jesus,
All fulness dwells in him,
He healeth my diseases,
He doth my soul redeem
I lay my griefs on Jesus,
My burdens and my cares;
He from them all releases,
He all my sorrows shares.