p. 187 | Lord, Save Me by Mary F. Welch

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 25, 1873

“Lord, Save Me.”

By Mary F. Welch

THESE words were spoken by the bold and impetuous Peter when he was about to sink, while walking upon the water to meet Jesus.

And why did he begin to sink? When he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; his mind was caught away from his divine Lord who had bid him come, and whom he loved, and in whose society he most desired to be.

The angry, tempestuous billows were threatening to engulf him; but with what earnestness and confidence he cried, “Lord, save me.”

This is one of the many remarkable incidents that illustrate the character of Peter, and not only does it serve as an illustration of Peter’s character, but it may teach us a most useful lesson.

Perhaps with much zeal and confidence we commence the warfare for eternal life, contending against the world, the flesh, and the enemy of our souls. Trials may come, the high-heaving billows and foam-crested waves may seem ready to sweep over our heads. We begin to look at our seeming perilous condition: the wind is boisterous; we are afraid; we begin to sink. We forget that there is One who rules the storm, and who has said, “Come.” Oh! how important that we have hope and courage.

There never was any object gained, nor any victories won, without hope, courage, and perseverance, nor will there ever be.

Take from the most audacious warrior his courage, and I ask, What will he do? In his first conflict, he will surely be overcome; he will sink.

We are contending in a warfare, where the contest is unequal. But frail man is not left alone to guide his own fragile bark over the stormy sea of time. Our Captain is a conqueror. He has won victories; he has never been overcome, never.

The same Jesus who stretched forth his hand and caught the sinking Peter is now pleading for us. We can hear the same compassionate Saviour saying, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”

MARY F. WELCH.