THINGS TO KNOW IF YOU ARE GOING TO WALK ON WATER
MATTHEW 14:25-32
MATTHEW 14:25-32 NKJ
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
OBSERVATION:
We could also call this devotional how not to walk on water. But I prefer to give Peter some credit. He was the only one who got out of the boat and actually walked. And because I will meet Peter one day in heaven, I prefer not having my mistakes brought back to me.
The first thing to know, make sure you have God's word before stepping out. Peter did not see Jesus and jump out of the boat. He got out after he heard Jesus say come. That was the smartest thing Peter did. He did not act until he had the Lord's word.
The second thing to know, you will have to take the steps. In other words, taking those steps of faith, trusting in God's word, is our decision. Jesus did not make Peter get out of the boat. Nothing was forced. Peter asked, received Jesus' word, and stepped out. So far, so good, Peter.
The third thing is do not focus on the negatives. Peter was walking on the water but started paying attention to the turbulent wind. Of course, we can add that walking on water is supernatural regardless of what the wind is doing. But when Peter focused on the wind, it sparked fear in him. And beginning to sink, he cried out.
We can't miss that phrase, beginning to sink. When you are walking on the water, you don't slowly sink. You go down fast. I know; I have tried. This lets us know how fear works against our faith.
The fourth thing to know, if you are going to walk on water, is the Lord will not abandon you. When Peter cried out, the Lord reached out immediately. Jesus did not let Peter go under a few times to teach him a lesson.
APPLICATION:
Of course, I am using water walking as a metaphor for walking by faith, not by sight. The principles apply to our life with God.
Have His word before acting. His written word is the first place we go to, and we can add the word He whispers to our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Once we have His word, we must act on it. He will not force us.
Keep our eyes on what He has said to us. Our environment can cause fear if we put our focus there.
Know that He will never leave or forsake us. We are not walking alone.
PRAYER:
Thank you, Father, for the lessons I learn in Your word. I can do what You say I can do.