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During times of turbulence (like during the Covid 19 pandemic), ask for a Word from God. Notice that the turbulence doesn't affect our Lord or His agenda. He is constantly active and working/walking.
Once you get His word (command), obey Him and don't observe or pay attention to the effects of the turbulence. If you pay attention to its effects on those around you and presuppose that it could also have similar effects on you, you would have taken your eyes of the Word. Fear would now seep/creep in and you would also start feeling the effects of the turbulence (you would now start by degree being affected by the turbulence like everyone else).
Literally or figuratively, you would start sinking because your confidence in the Word would start diminishing.
Keep focused on the Word or command and be like Jesus. He didn't pay attention to the effects of the wind nor did the wind have any effect on Him. He was not rocked by the waves, (but He also didn't stop the wind and waves from carrying on). In essence, He didn't act as if there was any turbulence.
We are to act same way once we have His Word or command.
His Word enables us to be exactly like Him.
JMNT 2014 Matthew 14: 22-33.
And then, without delay, He compelled His disciples to board (step into) the little boat and to be progressively preceding (going ahead of) Him unto the other side – while He would be dismissing and dispersing the crowds.
And so, upon dismissing and dispersing the crowds, He went back up into the mountain (or: hill country) – in accord with what was His own (or: corresponding to His own [thoughts and feelings]; or: privately) – to be praying. So then, it coming to be late in the evening, He was there alone.
- Now the little boat, already many hundreds of yards (i.e., many stadia) away from land, was continuing distant in the midst of the lake (or: sea), continuously being tried – as with a touchstone to test its metal (and thus, its mettle) – [thus, pounded] by and under the waves, for the wind was continuing against [them] (i.e., it was adverse and contrary).
- Yet during the fourth watch period of the night (about three o'clock in the morning), He came toward (or: to) them – continuing in walking upon the lake (or: sea).
- But the disciples, upon seeing Him progressively walking about – upon the lake (sea), were at once shaken and troubled, one after another saying, "It's a ghost (or: a phantom; or: an apparition; or: the effect of something being made visible)!" – then they cried out from fear.
- Yet Jesus at once spoke to them, proceeding in saying, "Continue in confidence and courage: I AM (or: I am Being; I am continuous Existence; or: = Take heart and continue courageous – It's ME)! Do not continue being afraid."
- Now in a considered and discerning response, Peter said to Him, "Lord (or: O Master), since You are (or: if You are You; = if it's really You), direct (or: order) me to at once come toward You upon (= on the surface of) the waters!"
- So He said, "Come at once!" (or: "Go [for it]!") Then, upon stepping down from the little boat, Peter at once walked about upon the waters and came toward Jesus.
- Yet while continuing in looking at [the effects of] the strong wind, he was made to fear (or: became afraid). And then beginning to progressively sink down, he cried out, saying, "O Lord (Master), save me now (rescue me quickly)!"
- So immediately Jesus, stretching out [His] hand, got a hold upon him, then is saying to him, "O man of little trust (or: confidence) and small faith! Into what two places do you mentally stand (= Why do you waver and hesitate)?"
- Then, at their stepping down into the little boat, the wind grew weary and died down.
- Now the men within the little boat paid Him homage by kneeling down and with obeisance kissing toward Him – some reverently kissing His feet – while one after another was saying, "Truly, You are God's Son (or: In reality You exist being a son of God; You really are [the] Son, whose origin, quality and character is God)!"
Shalom!