“And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’”
– Matthew 14:32
Did you know that failure is good for you? We’ve been talking about Peter walking on the water to meet Jesus and how taking his eyes off of the Lord caused him to temporarily sink. Although it was terrifying, it was an experience that helped him to grow. As a culture, especially in the church, we are afraid to not be perfect. However, the truth is that we have to fail a hundred times before we succeed even once. It’s not good to go through life super-safe and never fall down because we didn’t try anything. God is the kind of Father who challenges us; He makes us do things that are super-stretching and often uncomfortable. He won’t traumatize us, but He will take us to our limits. If you’ve been a believer for a long time, you know this to be true, but you also know that Jesus will get you through. He will help you up and carry you safely to the other side, time and time again. Life in the Kingdom of God is about doing things for God, not about not doing things. Don’t live the safe life. Take Jesus at His Word, step out on the water, and gain more faith than you ever thought possible. His Hand is always outstretched and He will meet you right at the moment you think you’re going to fall. He is forever faithful! |
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for stretching me to a place of greater faith through challenges. I trust you to deliver me as I come to you in the midst of my storm.
Reflection
Do you recall a time in your life when you stepped out of the boat and Jesus rescued you just as you were about to sink? If so, how did that experience build your faith? If not, are you ready to get out of the boat today?
3 Responses
In 2014, I learned that by truly and whole heartedly turning your fear over to God not only gives you “inner peace” but also gives you the strength to be strong not only for yourself but also for the one you love but do not have the training to help them. I had to trust the doctors would take care of my child with God’s help and save her. And He did! Also, there were times when I had no idea how I was going to make ends meet but I learned that God will provide one way or another. Also, if “you do not enter, you cannot win” is a phrase I taught my kids. My daughter had to decide whether to stay 2000 miles away with her infant daughter in a very bad marriage or come and stay with me for awhile to get a fresh perspective on how to move forward and make some life-altering decisions. She chose to come saying “if I don’t jump, how will I learn to fly?” Now, two years later, she is a single mom trying to make ends meet but she is happy and her old self again which in turn has been the best the thing for her daughter! They now live surrounded by all of her family (my parents are thrilled to be a part of their great-granddaughter’s life and though they divorced, she and her ex-husband have remained friends and he face-times his daughter alot so he still is a big part of her life. And whenever he can get leave, he comes here and stays with them on the couch so their daughter knows her daddy. The point is, had she not trusted God would take care, she’d be in a miserable situation. It took my almost losing that daughter to a severe infection in her sinuses close to attaching itself to her brain for me to finally learn that the Lord truly is in control and only wants the best for us all! If you listen closely and keep your heart open, you will hear/see that He has you under his arm and will help you continue on the right path He has set in front of you. “Trust and obey for there’s no other way…!”
Interesting Question;since Jesus and Peter were out in the Sea and They Climbed into the Boat,How did Peter get Back into The Boat unless He Regained His Faith and Walked Back to The Boat with Jesus.
When I was used to make my own decisions and I thought I had it all together I remembered the sermon that my dad taught about praying and seeking the Holy Spirit (Ghost) & the Lord God Almighty before everything decision so over the Years I ‘ve learned ever learning to pray & seek GOD always ! For that I’m ready to be in the life faith boat with JESUS everyday always & forevermore ’til the second coming of the LORD Jesus Christ !