When We Sink, Jesus Grabs Us

A Monster Who Can't Float

Grover was worried. He had swimming lessons coming up, and every time he tried to float, he remembered he was a monster — and monsters don't float. So he'd sink, sink, sink, sink, sink.

But his swimming teacher would grab him, help him float again, gently place hands under him, and when Grover started floating, the teacher would slowly pull their hands away. And Grover would float… until he remembered he was a monster, and down he'd go again.

Peter on the Water

That story sounds a lot like something that happened to one of Jesus' disciples. The disciples were out on a boat when Jesus came walking across the water toward them. Peter spoke up and said, "I'll come out if you want." And he stepped out onto the water and started to walk.

But then Peter remembered — he was just a person. He saw the waves around him, and he started to sink.

Jesus, Our Swimming Teacher

Just like Grover's swimming teacher, Jesus reached out and helped Peter. He grabbed him and brought him safely back into the boat.

This reminds us that we all go through difficult times. We all have moments when we start to sink — when fear takes over, when we feel like we can't do it, when the waves seem too big.

But if we're trusting in Jesus, he's like that swimming teacher:

• He holds us until we're ready.
• He lets us go so we can grow.
• And if we start to sink, he grabs us again and helps us.

Jesus is with us. He's helping us. He's looking after us.

Give It a Go

Peter didn't think he could walk on water — but he could, at least for a while. And even when he couldn't, Jesus was right there. Grover didn't think monsters could float — but maybe, just maybe, he could give it a go.

Whatever feels impossible for you today, know that Jesus is already reaching out his hand. You don't have to be afraid to try.