Tossed around

"..until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." Ephesians 4:14-16 I think about this verse often throughout my week. Too many times I feel tossed back and forth by the ups and downs of life, and blown here and there by situations that are thrown at me. You know how those days go don't you? You get some great news, lose a few pounds, husband gets a promotion and you are feeling great - thanking God. You're friends are thanking God for you - telling you that God must be with you because everything is going so smoothly. "It must be God's will" you're thinking. Then you hit a bump in the road (or a mountain). You get bad news, your husband's promotion only lasted until he was laid off a couple months later. During these times I always wonder "what did I do God? Was this not your will? Did we miss something?" Up. Down. Up. Down. I am reminded of Peter when he saw Jesus walking on the water and Jesus beckoned him to come. Peter immediately got down out of the boat and walked on the water and went toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and started to sink. Peter cried out to Jesus to save him and he did. I picture Peter being confident as he looked upon Jesus. "This is my Lord. He can do anything" I imagine him saying. Then the wind caught his attention. He took his eyes of Jesus and briefly glanced at the wind. It was just enough to cause panic, and the firm ground that once was beneath his feet became fragile water again. Focus on Jesus. Focus on Jesus. How I long to stay strong and steady as I see the wind. If I keep my eyes on Jesus and not the storms, I can remain in Him. Maturity is out there, I just have to keep striving for it.