He Who Hesitates…
Opening Prayer
God, thank You that, in You, I am able to rise above natural limitations and walk where only You could allow me to.
Read Matthew 14:22-36
[22] Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. [23] After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, [24] and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. [25] Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. [26] When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. [27] But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” [28] “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” [29] “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” [31] Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” [32] And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. [33] Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” [34] When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. [35] And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him [36] and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Where is God calling you to step out?I used to be able to swim, but I can’t now. Yes, I know it’s one of those things that you don’t forget. But the fear of the water has definitely come back and somehow my feet remain glued to the bottom of the pool.As a fisherman, Peter wasn’t afraid of the water. But with that wind too… Well, anything could happen. And things always seem worse in the night. Then Jesus, fresh from his encounter with his Father, appears walking on the water (25). The scared disciples think he is a ghost. Peter is the only one who reacts in faith. And even then he wants proof that it is Jesus (28). Jesus says one simple thing to him: “Come.”This disciple is ready to walk on the water for Jesus. But then the wind gets up and Peter takes his eyes off his Master (30). Sometimes we, too, can get caught up in the moment, then come crashing down when we realize what we have taken on. Like Peter, we have to trust, and then trust some more. We have to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus at all times.
Apply
Ask God to show you opportunities to step where only faith will carry you. Trust him and step.
Closing prayer
Lord, help me to trust You for what is not possible without You. Help me to continually fix my eyes on You.
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