But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
Matthew 14:24
We can imagine ourselves in this boat.
As a matter of fact, there’s a storm of fear raging around us right now, and we seem like sitting ducks.
Winds of Words contrary to what We have heard about Jesus.
And the Secret place we dwell in.
I’m particularly drawn to the fact that they were now in the midst of the sea.
It’s one thing to have your eyes on the shore, knowing you have a way back,
But to be surrounded? In the midst?
Water is on every side.
Deep waters at that.
I don’t know about you, but if I was keeping my eyes in the fear storm right now, that’s all I would see.
Fear had gripped the disciple’s hearts.
As it has many we know.
But Jesus came to them,
Catch this….
In the midst of the storm...
But even though it WAS Jesus, they were still afraid.
Do You know that Jesus is speaking to everyone one of us right now–
In the midst of this thing.
This fear storm.
But like I said yesterday, I believe God wants to deal with how we,
The disciples of Christ are handling things.
Number one, I want you to see that fear tried to grip every one of them.
Go back and read.
Matt 14:22-33
They all had different responses.
When they saw Jesus in the midst of the storm,
Walking above the situation–
Literally…
He was walking on that waves, towards them-
The majority stayed in the boat.
Only one asked to get out, and that was Peter.
And He asked first… (prayer)
That’s a big deal.
“Bid me come, if it’s you.” He asked Jesus.
“Come.” Jesus said.
So he started walking.
(You have to have a Word from the Master to use the Faith that walks on water!)
Now notice He didn’t turn around and talk down to the disciples who were still in the boat.
No, surely he would have sank if he had-
Right then.
And not even made it as far as He did while facing Jesus.
The only way he stayed above the situation, was to stay fastened on Jesus.
(He keeps them in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon Him.)
Brothers and Sisters,
Before a great fall, or sink, is pride.
We get turned around and start to sink fast when we are more focused on what our fellow believers are doing,
than keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
It was enough for Peter just to not look at the wind and waves,
And even then-
He got so far, then He got caught up in the fear again.
I’ve been there and done that.
I’ve started out all up in faith and then got distracted by symptoms or circumstances.
We all have.
Jesus wasn’t mad at any of them.
And He’s not mad at us.
But He asked Peter then, what He’s asking us today.
Why so little faith….
He didn’t say he didn’t have any,
He just said it was little.
Thank God for Peter’s desire to walk on water like the Master.
If that’s you, Praise God for your faith.
Get out of the boat.
Keep your eyes on the Prize and walk out the Perfect will of God.
Let others see your steadfast example and move forward as well,
But don’t turn around and belittle someone behind you, who may be staying indoors right now.
Paul said for us not to judge one another as far as our levels of faith.
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in hisbrother’s way. Romans 14:13
All things are to be done to lift the body of Christ to their full potential.
Joyce Meyer always says, I’m not where I want to be, but Praise God I’m not where I used to be.
Those disciples eventually all Got to the other side.
With JESUS!
He the Author and Finisher of our Faith.
And that’s where our Focus should be.
The main thing is to keep on moving.
Jesus picked Peter up right where he sank!
Jesus is the one who addresses our faith levels.
He Alone, can bring us higher-
As we Keep our eyes on HIM.
ThankFully Restored 