But when HE SAW the wind boisterous, he WAS AFRAID. (Matthew 14:30).
Peter walked on the impossible, that is, until he took his eyes off Jesus. Like Peter, many of us will do the seven things Peter did:
1) He asked
2) He got out of the ship
3) He began walking on water
4) Progressed toward Jesus
5) Took eyes off Jesus
6) Became afraid
7) Began to sink
Here is here is where the common ground of our decline begins: #5. The Bible says that when HE SAW, he BECAME AFRAID (v.30), and then immediately, he began to sink.
How often do we lose our focus during our storms? Look back and think about the many times you have panicked in the midst of a testing period. Every time we allowed anxiety, fear, and doubt to infiltrate our heart, we began to sink in despair.
Learn and Discern:
Each storm of life is a training ground to build your faith. Learning to walk on water will require the lesson to be executed in the midst of water. How else can a person learn to swim unless subjected to the waters he is thrust?
The LORD is attempting to teach us that regardless of what we see, hear, or feel, maintaining a steadfast and resolve focus on Him is what will get you to walk over the impossible. Our desire should be to complete the entire mission; unlike the sons of Ephraim who being armed to the tee, turned back in the day of battle and failed to complete the mission (Psalm 78:9-10).
Peter's desire to get to Jesus wasn't going to cut the mustard. We can want Jesus, but if we are not willing to step out of the boat, we will stay in a place of always wanting but never achieving. Yet still, stepping out of the boat will not be sufficient either. It is only one of the steps toward the process in obtaining the goal.
Life Application:
Luke 6:40 reads: A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Desire to grow in the knowledge and wisdom of the Word so that you can be thoroughly equipped to execute with all authority your Kingdom promises and rights; for we are heirs and joint heirs with Christ.
Empowerment Scripture:
John 14:12 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Vocabulary:
1. Boisterous – adjective
blustery, gusty, windy, stormy, wild, squally, tempestuous;
howling, roaring;
2. Subject – verb
past tense: subjected; past participle: subjected
1. cause or force to undergo (a particular experience of form of treatment).
"he'd subjected her to a terrifying ordeal"
Synonyms: put through, treat with, expose to
"they were subjected to violence"
Scriptures to Meditate on:
2 Timothy 3:17
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Romans 8:16-17
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
~2014 Narda Goodson
Faith Study Lessons by Narda Goodson Ministries. Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved
Tilt your heart towards the SON!
Narda Goodson
Author, Will the REAL ME Please Stand Up!
Facebook: @nardagoodsonministries Twitter: @nardagoodson
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