I remember once when my daughter said she wanted to be like me. All I thought was, you are already so much more than me! That is a relatively normal sentiment for a parent. We see our kids as stronger, faster, smarter, kinder, and more capable than we ever were. But how could Jesus say that His followers would do even greater things than He had done?!

I like to workout with headphones in, even when I am the only one home. So, sometimes, when my husband arrives home from work and hears the treadmill he carefully calls to me, “Hey, it’s me, I’m home.” He doesn’t want me to be afraid, and so he identifies himself.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a misprint. You read the story of Jesus walking on the water yesterday, from the book of Matthew; today we read Mark’s account. In this account, Mark makes a special note. He says that the disciples were completely amazed because they hadn’t understood about the loaves and fishes.

Have you ever prayed a prayer like Peter? “Lord, if you are calling me to…just tell me and I will do it.” Then when we step out into courageous obedience everything is good,  even exciting! Then, all too soon, we take our eyes off Jesus and start to look at our surroundings.

It is amazing how many forms various trials can take. At this very moment we are dealing with the loss of a loved one and the nightmare of being delayed over and over in the airport. Obviously one is a far greater trial, but all these waters and fires of life can make you seek after God or pull away from Him.