I knew someone who once walked on water. It was impressive to those who weren't able to see the submerged bedsprings he walked on in a shallow lake. Far more impressive is the story of a man who actually did step out of a boat and walk on the surface of a lake - at least for a while.
"Immediately He (Jesus) made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side,while He sent the crowds away ... But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, 'It is a ghost!' And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.'Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' And He said,'Come!' And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?' " (Matthew 14.23,24-31)
The whole story is remarkable on many levels. That Jesus could navigate a great distance atop water in stormy weather is compelling evidence that He is God's Son. The audacious faith of a man named Peter is initially impressive. But, his faith is quickly and literally swallowed up by the reality of his circumstances.
Someone I know is well known for his emphatic application of this story - "get out of your stinking boat!" The boat in the story represents our comfort zone, and it is only when we step out in faith that Jesus can direct us to walk safely through the storms of life. But, like Peter, it is far too easy to look at circumstances rather than the Savior, and sink in unbelief.
This amazing story begs us to consider: what safe circumstances might Jesus be calling us away from? Where does He wish to lead us, even amidst a life storm? How can we best stay focused on Him, to avoid sinking in unbelief amidst circumstances?
The Savior is amidst the storm, and He calls us to walk in faith. May this story encourage and challenge you to focus on faith, and bravely walk with unblinking sight toward your Savior.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
"Immediately He (Jesus) made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side,while He sent the crowds away ... But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, 'It is a ghost!' And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.'Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' And He said,'Come!' And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?' " (Matthew 14.23,24-31)
The whole story is remarkable on many levels. That Jesus could navigate a great distance atop water in stormy weather is compelling evidence that He is God's Son. The audacious faith of a man named Peter is initially impressive. But, his faith is quickly and literally swallowed up by the reality of his circumstances.
Someone I know is well known for his emphatic application of this story - "get out of your stinking boat!" The boat in the story represents our comfort zone, and it is only when we step out in faith that Jesus can direct us to walk safely through the storms of life. But, like Peter, it is far too easy to look at circumstances rather than the Savior, and sink in unbelief.
This amazing story begs us to consider: what safe circumstances might Jesus be calling us away from? Where does He wish to lead us, even amidst a life storm? How can we best stay focused on Him, to avoid sinking in unbelief amidst circumstances?
The Savior is amidst the storm, and He calls us to walk in faith. May this story encourage and challenge you to focus on faith, and bravely walk with unblinking sight toward your Savior.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
posted by steve @ 8:10 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home