Close Enough

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
“Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.
Matthew 14:24-31a NLT

I hate to admit it, but when working on something that I'm tired of working on, I've been known to say, "Close enough." In other words, I am willing to settle for a little less than perfect because I don't want to do anymore. Father, forgive me for giving life less than my best.

I love this passage of Scripture and every time I read it, I get something new out of it. Here's my focus this time around - Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. Immediately... Peter had walked far enough on the water through the storm to be close enough that Jesus IMMEDIATELY reached out and grabbed him.

Isn't that where we should be at all times? Close enough to Jesus that we are no more than an arm's length away from Him. Close enough that we can walk to Him in the storm. Close enough to touch Him and to be touched by Him. Close enough.

Prayer:

Father,
           Forgive us for those things that would separate us from You. Remove them from our lives. Help us to walk close enough to touch and be touched by You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen