Matthew 14:28-31
Peter said to him, “Lord, if it is you, order me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come Peter". Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind he became afraid and starting to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Peter was the only one who stepped boldly out of the boat by faith, but he also wavered in it when he looked away. He was walking well until he took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on the high waves around him. How many times have we been like Peter? We may not walk on water today, but we do walk through some tough situations. If we look and focus on our circumstances without looking to Jesus for help, we too will begin to sink. At times our faith will falter and we'll doubt, but it doesn't mean that we've failed. So, "What do we do when we begin to go under"? We cry out to Jesus! When Peter’s faith wavered, he cried out to Christ for help, even though he was afraid. Faith grows through various tests as we continue to trust our Lord and He continues to teach us.
Jesus knows that we will have fears at times. But in spite of those fears, He commands us... “Don't be afraid", Isaiah 41:10 and when we're trying to obey that command, willpower alone just doesn't cut it. We can try to suppress our fearful thoughts, but they just keep popping up, like a ball held under water. Zechariah 4:6 reminds us... " 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty."
When fear tries to take over, God reminds me that by His very spirit that dwells within me, I can rebuke satan in His name. I've learned to give my fears to God immediately, to let them go and let God handle them for me. Sometimes, I fear the safety of our kids or then there's the fear of being hurt again by a loved one. Because let's face it, it sucks getting hurt! But I'm never going to be in control, only God is and the fact that He goes before me in every detail of my life brings me His peace that surpasses all things! Amen!!!
A few questions to meditate on...
1. What are your fears today? Your husband or wife's salvation? A teenager or adult child that walked away from God? The upbringing of little ones? Starting over after a divorce? Never being married? Someone you love hurting you again? Having another baby after losing one? School? A new job? Finances? A sick loved one? How about death? Only you and God know what they are and acknowledging them is the first step.
2. In what areas of your life do you need the most help in? Pray, talk to God. He knows you best and wants to hear from you.
3. What "Waves" and "Winds" are distracting you today from walking focused with Jesus? The waves and winds would be the ones you answered in #1. Let's redirect our focus from them to Jesus.
When fear tries to bring you down...
1. Cry out to Jesus. Psalms 34:4- I went to the Lord for help. He listened and saved me from all that I fear.
2. Hold firmly to Gods Word. Psalm 119:105- Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
3. Cast your cares on Him. Psalm 55:22 - Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.
4. Confess your inability and Gods ability to remove your fears. Philippians 4:13 -I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
5. Confide in a trusted friend. Have strong accountability. James 5:16 - Pray for one another.
Brothers, Sisters... Fears will come and go in our lives, but the key is not to allow them to paralyze us. The Lord is Good!!! He turns our fears into faith! He takes us broken vessels, cracked and marred only to remold and reshape us All for His Glory ;)
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