“Immediately Jesus stretching forth his hand took hold of him . . .”

Rash, impetuous Peter would find many a kindred spirit in today's hyperactive world where the preferred approach to problem solving seems to be the quick fix or "trial-and-error."

Influenced by advertising and by an abundance of choices and easy credit, many have acted  impulsively, assuming that, if their first choice didn't pan out, they could always buy or do something else.

Trial-and-error is simply an attempt to find a quick solution - - any solution, not all the solutions, and not necessarily the best solution. It’s a reasonable approach to problem solving when the stakes are low and errors can be easily redeemed.

But, when the stakes are high and errors are costly - - for example, when we're about to make a major purchase - - we better know we're right or we could get in over our heads.

Peter may have acted impulsively when he jumped in over his head, but he was also a man of faith. When he made a mistake and began to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out to him.

Notice, Jesus was the one who reached out, not Peter - - Peter was too busy trying to keep his head above water.

When we are awash in problems, the natural tendency is to thrash about and try to save ourselves. Many a person has drowned in debt or other problems as a result of acting rashly like Peter did. As is true for swimmers, if they simply took a deep breath, relaxed and looked up, their natural buoyancy would have kept them afloat. The key is looking up and asking for help.

No matter what the problem might be, Jesus is ready to reach out to us once we call on His name.