WALK ON WATER
Suggested Reading: Matthew 14 (Note: click scripture to read passage online)
A calm settles on the Sea of Galilee, just after a storm.
Key Verse: Matthew 14:31
“And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'”
Peter, the man of faith and doubt, boldness and fear, is one of us. His faith carried him out of the boat, but his doubt immediately brought big problems. Don’t be too hard on Peter. Those still in the boat were safe, but they missed a great experience with Jesus. On the walk back to the boat, I think Jesus held Peter, and Peter surely hung onto Jesus for dear life. Later Peter’s memory was greatly improved by the power of the Holy Spirit. The result – faith and boldness marked his total life. Are you willing to sink and look like a big fool? Or are you just playing it safe?
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, I know You won’t let me down as I let go of the boat and start walking. Grant me the grace to attempt the humanly impossible. May I not be discouraged by the comments of those still in the boat. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
There are several things that could’ve sunk the ministry of Crossroads. Check out our history. The money was not on hand to do any of these major initiatives (e.g. pavilions in four World Expositions). In two of the Expos, we were sinking, but Jesus was there to catch us. He had said, as He did to Peter, “Come.” As leader, I had stepped out of the boat, and so did our Board of Directors, as did our fellow team members, and our supporting partners. In Spain alone (Expo ’92), at least 53,000 people registered decisions for Christ. The Archbishop of Seville said weeping, “My people, my people need this message.”
Yours for walking on water,
David
REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and scroll down to “Leave a Reply.”
It’s interesting to note that in Matthew 14 we see Peter taking a bold step of faith by leaving the boat to approach Jesus. We see in Matthew 16 this same Peter becoming a unique leader among men. The faith of Peter grew exponentially as a result of his stepping out of the boat. Jesus knowing this, would bless Peter with a special honour by first changing his name from Simon to Peter (Petros or small rock) and then by charging him with the leadership of men and by giving him the keys of the kingdom of heaven (now I’m not sure what the keys are, but it must have had some special sign of significance with Jesus and Peter).
Small steps of faith can add up to a lifetime of great faithfulness. I sense that yours has been a lifetime of great faithfulness David!
David, this was a real challenge for me to be willing to take the risk in whatever God calls me to do. Thanks for your devotional, it is a real blessing!
I see opportunities where I was asked to step out and “be a fool” for christ, but I am weak. I pray that I will have more faith next time. I don’t want to miss opportunities for myself as well as other
There were times in my life I stepped out of the boat did things I never thought
I could do God is always here to help although I still want to know whats around
the corner thats a fear of mine.
Lianne Hogg
Aww, YAY!!! And amen!!! I love this, and it’s so true. Peter had the advantage of having everyone in the boat hear Jesus say “come” and see Jesus come back with him. For us, everyone around us (even the very spiritual and very well-meaning) can’t always hear Jesus calling us forward, or see where He is leading. I have missed opportunities in the past not realizing that this is okay. “Those who dance look quite insane to those who can’t hear the music”….somebody wise said that, and it wasn’t me, haha, but I love the quote. I think I’d rather err on the side of boldness than caution.
Judas was either most fearful of all or he found some pleasure rocking the boat as he sat at the stern!
Let’s keep walking on the water David!
Dear Mr. Mainse,
I received your book
Dear Mr. Mainse,
I received your book
Apologies, all of my comment will not post when ‘Post Comment’ is selected.
This is wonderful, I am always excited to know that whatever Jesus calls me to do He is with me holding my hand and giving me all I need to succeed at what He has called me to do. Jesus thank you for your faithful love for each and everyone of us.
Also thank you David for your continued obedience to what you are called to do. It is a blessing to share this with you each day and I look forward to it as I wake.
stepping out…thanks…
David
It only strengthened the faith for all involved. Thank you for your courage and trust in our Almighty God. Great is His Faithfulness