When Three Words are Enough

Well, howdy there! You come on up here on this here ol’ front porch, friend, and grab that ol’ rocker right over there before the wind carries it off like a lil’ ol’ Banty rooster plum convinced it’s an eagle. Some days life behaves itself. Other days trouble comes chargin’ through the gate like an ol’ goat that just discovered the vegetable garden. And when you’re plum knee deep in trouble, you may git to thinkin’ you need a prayer polished enough to impress heaven.

But Peter proves otherwise.

In Matthew 14:28–31, Peter stepped out of the boat and actually walked right out on water toward Jesus. That sho’-nuff’ took some real faith. But then he sho’-nuff’ noticed the wind, plum saw the waves, and suddenly the storm became a whole lot bigger in his eyes than the Savior standing in front of him.

And then, down he went.

And Peter didn’t pray no sermon. He didn’t quote seventeen verses or clear his throat and say, “Almighty Sovereign Creator of the universe.”

He hollered, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:30.

Just three words.

And Matthew 14:31 says Jesus “immediately” reached out His hand.

Friend, God isn’t gradin’ your vocabulary when your heart is sinkin’. He’s downright listenin’ for your cry.

Psalm 18:6 gives us another beautiful promise: “In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help.” Prayer ain’t never powerful because it’s long. Prayer is downright powerful because of the One listenin’.

Sometimes all you’ve got is, “Father, help me.” That’s plum enough.

The trouble ain’t pretendin’ the waves ain’t there no more. The trouble comes when the waves become all we can see. Prayer plum turns our eyes back toward Jesus.

Father, when circumstances rise around me and fear begins pulling me under, turn my eyes back to Jesus. Remind me that I don’t need impressive words to reach You. Give me faith to cry out quickly and trust Your hand completely. Hold me steady when my courage starts sinking. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now, skedaddle right on back into the rest the adventures for your daily routine, friend, and don’t you be lettin’ your troubles git to puffin’ themselves up like an ol’ bullfrog tryin’ to impress the whole creek bank. When the water gets mighty rough, call on Jesus. When words plum run out, call anyway. A short prayer can travel mighty fast when it’s headed toward a faithful God.

With joy,

Gwen