Little Faith (Matt 14:24-34)
Nov 17, 2017 10:44:51 GMT -6
Post by Gene Whitehurst on Nov 17, 2017 10:44:51 GMT -6
Peter: Thank you my Lord for saving me. I was sinking and afraid!
John: Amazing. I watched the water under Jesus’ feet – it was like a clear walkway, yet all around was a raging sea. And there was Peter walking beside Jesus on top of the water! I was excited and cheering at what I saw.
Peter: Yes. Jesus reached out and pulled me up right next to Him. Then we walked to the boat with waves crashing all around us.
Jesus: And here we are all sitting safely in this boat. As soon as Peter and I stepped into the boat, the storm was gone. Now, tell me what you are thinking.
John: More than ever, I believe you are who you claim to be. All of us on the boat worshipped you after you came aboard – because You are the Christ. But Master, you asked Peter, “Why did you doubt?” How could he not doubt when he took his eyes off of you and saw the fury of the storm?
Jesus: I want you to remember this day. There will be times like this in your life. You will venture out into various trials – in obedience to my call. Your friends back in the boat will be cheering you on. You will seldom realize what you will be getting into. Sometimes I will call you to use your little faith – to grow you to greater faith. This was a test. And I will give such tests throughout your life to build your faith.
John: What did you expect Peter to do?
Jesus: I expect him – and you – to trust me. If I call you to do something beyond yourself, then trust me to take care of you as you follow my call – step by step. Peter, you walked on the water. You almost arrived – you were near. You were right at my feet when I reached and grabbed you. Next time, push your little faith into more faith. Do not look at this as a failure. This trial was an opportunity to grow faith.
John: I was just getting ready to ask - why did you encourage Peter to come to you when you certainly knew he would fail the test?
Jesus: Peter did not fail. He was actively obeying my request to, ‘come.’ He had boldness plus little faith – but not no faith! My children have doubts from time to time when responding to My call. If in the future you are in a difficult circumstance and your faith begins to weaken, then call out, “Lord, save me,” as Peter did. Remember what I said and did this day! Call out and in your little faith; expect me to reach out to your hand! I AM there.
That trial that you are in:
God has designed it for you. He has entrusted you with that trial. See it as from His hand and His heart. He is not trying to get you to fail, but to succeed. He has provided all that you need for an outcome that honors Him and builds your faith. He wants to hear from you when the going gets tough. “Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Matt 14:27
Elements in Peter’s thinking when he went through this trial:
Boldness, little faith, fear, doubts, sinking, prayer (calling out), trust, joy, and more. Your life of faith could be the same. Don’t stay back in the boat. Step out on little faith and keep your eyes on Jesus!
Questions? Comments?
Gene Whitehurst
gwdeut@gmail.com or at 972.416.6024
John: Amazing. I watched the water under Jesus’ feet – it was like a clear walkway, yet all around was a raging sea. And there was Peter walking beside Jesus on top of the water! I was excited and cheering at what I saw.
Peter: Yes. Jesus reached out and pulled me up right next to Him. Then we walked to the boat with waves crashing all around us.
Jesus: And here we are all sitting safely in this boat. As soon as Peter and I stepped into the boat, the storm was gone. Now, tell me what you are thinking.
John: More than ever, I believe you are who you claim to be. All of us on the boat worshipped you after you came aboard – because You are the Christ. But Master, you asked Peter, “Why did you doubt?” How could he not doubt when he took his eyes off of you and saw the fury of the storm?
Jesus: I want you to remember this day. There will be times like this in your life. You will venture out into various trials – in obedience to my call. Your friends back in the boat will be cheering you on. You will seldom realize what you will be getting into. Sometimes I will call you to use your little faith – to grow you to greater faith. This was a test. And I will give such tests throughout your life to build your faith.
John: What did you expect Peter to do?
Jesus: I expect him – and you – to trust me. If I call you to do something beyond yourself, then trust me to take care of you as you follow my call – step by step. Peter, you walked on the water. You almost arrived – you were near. You were right at my feet when I reached and grabbed you. Next time, push your little faith into more faith. Do not look at this as a failure. This trial was an opportunity to grow faith.
John: I was just getting ready to ask - why did you encourage Peter to come to you when you certainly knew he would fail the test?
Jesus: Peter did not fail. He was actively obeying my request to, ‘come.’ He had boldness plus little faith – but not no faith! My children have doubts from time to time when responding to My call. If in the future you are in a difficult circumstance and your faith begins to weaken, then call out, “Lord, save me,” as Peter did. Remember what I said and did this day! Call out and in your little faith; expect me to reach out to your hand! I AM there.
That trial that you are in:
God has designed it for you. He has entrusted you with that trial. See it as from His hand and His heart. He is not trying to get you to fail, but to succeed. He has provided all that you need for an outcome that honors Him and builds your faith. He wants to hear from you when the going gets tough. “Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Matt 14:27
Elements in Peter’s thinking when he went through this trial:
Boldness, little faith, fear, doubts, sinking, prayer (calling out), trust, joy, and more. Your life of faith could be the same. Don’t stay back in the boat. Step out on little faith and keep your eyes on Jesus!
Questions? Comments?
Gene Whitehurst
gwdeut@gmail.com or at 972.416.6024