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On Water!
Venturing into the unknown can be fearful. The first day on a new job, performing new tasks, and taking on new responsibilities can be unsettling. Adapting to new surroundings, adjusting to different lifestyles, and relationship changes such as from singleness to married life; new business ventures and financial investments all involve taking risks. It is something about the “unfamiliar” that either will take us under because of fear, or we will overcome it because of faith.
Life presents us with two options— succumb to fear or apply faith. If we practice applying faith rather than being immobilized by fear, we are destined to become masters at managing life.
Becoming a master at managing of life should be the goal of every Christian. God desires that His people master life—every situation, circumstance or condition—be mastered by faith! Trusting Him and the power of His word are essential to accomplish the impossibilities we face in life.
However, it is through personal experiences that we become masters of life. Too often we view unpleasant experiences as only obstacles when, in fact, they are stepping-stones strategically placed in our path to help us reach our destination. They lead us toward a path of faith, which will take us from one victory to another.
According to Hebrews 11:6, it is impossible to please God without faith. So the question is, do you want to please God? If your answer is yes, then read on. If, no, STOP HERE!
Assuming your answer is yes, then go after “faith” that impresses God! Of course, that means experiences that will require a test of faith.
You have probably heard the statement you cannot impress God. Well, there is evidence in the Bible where Jesus was impressed (amazed, astonished) by the faith shown by others. Example: Matthew 8:10, Jesus “marveled” at the Centurion’s faith; Matthew 15:28, the Syro-Phoenician mother got Jesus’ attention by her faith; and remember the four men that took the roof off and let their paralytic friend down (Mark 2:5).
As a matter of fact, the Christian life is a life lived by faith. “The just (righteousness) shall live by faith (Romans 1:17); “…For we walk by faith not by sight…” (II Corinthians 5:7). If you try to master this life based on what you see, you’re destined to drown in regrets, missed opportunities, and a sea of excuses. Christ is the hope of our glory and any Christian who tries to master life without trusting in, relying on and adhering to Him does not recognize Him as LORD.
In order to live above the perplexities and challenges of life, you must be willing to step out of the familiar into the unfamiliar, and attempt the impossible. Faith without action is simply ‘talk’!
Therefore, when you desire to do what seems impossible in the natural; you have a standing invitation from God to experience the supernatural. Just as Jesus bid Peter, He bids you, “Come!”
Would you have gotten out of the boat? Come ‘on, now! Be honest! Peter is most often remembered for taking his eyes off Jesus and beginning to sink. However, what’s most noticeable to me is his impulsive act of faith. Jesus said, “Come.” And Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water at the bidding of the Christ! That’s awesome!
When we hear clearly the voice of God, do we take immediate action and step out in faith on His word? No doubt, we probably go through the “if it’s you, Lord…” process.
This is the kind of faith that impresses God—faith that sees, hears and believes that if God said it, that settles it! Will you accept the invitation to walk on water?
There are three basic requirements that will help with making a decision to accept the invitation to do the impossible through faith:
#1 – A willingness to obey. God understands our weaknesses and our fears. Most important, He knows our heart. Just wanting to obey the Lord makes a difference. If you have a willingness to obey, God does not have to allow the harshness of life’s experience to force a change of heart. When He bids you to come by stepping out of the familiar, it’s your personal experience with Him. Therefore, do not expect everybody to cheer you on, or agree with your decision to obey. In fact, you will probably be considered insane and a fanatic dependent on the “water walking” experience.
#2 — Know Jesus by the power of His Word – This requires studying the Word of God (Bible) Getting into the Word and seeing through the eyes of the Holy Spirit (revelation) how when Jesus spoke things happened—the sick were healed, demons were expelled, the lame walked, and the blind regain their sight. This will motivate you. As you are motivated, you will begin making the Word work in your situation. I am certain this experience caused Peter to see Jesus in a different light. Moreover, this experience caused Peter to recognize the power of Jesus’ word. The best way to know Jesus by the power of His word is through impossible situations where you speak the Word of God and see results.
#3 —- Stay focused- If you are to going to accept an invitation to do the impossible by applying faith, you cannot afford to be distracted. Distractions cause you to stop concentrating on the Word. Beware of three (3) distracting elements that put you in danger of going under (drowning):
Focusing on something that is totally out of your control. Remember God is in control. All power and authority has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). He controls the wind and waves. You cannot!
Panicking over the effects of something that appears more powerful than God or His word. Impossibility wouldn’t be an issue if things were easy to handle or resolve. Truth is, panicking is not going to change appearances.
Doubting the power of God to control what He is Lord over. When Christians doubt, they open themselves to being deceived by the Enemy. Consequently, it becomes easier to sink deeper in doubt and disbelief.
Peter’s action was radically irrational. In other words, this was radical faith and irrational obedience to the Lord's invitation, resulted in him doing the impossible. It is this kind of radical faith that impresses God! Of course, demonstrating radical faith and obedience will increase the potential for ridicule and rejection. Are you up to it? I’m certain the other disciples thought Peter had really gone over the edge mentally and physically.
I firmly believe that if we would set our hearts to obey God at all cost, take Him at His Word and live wholeheartedly committed to Him as Lord, we would experience the abundant life that He promised. After all, He gave Himself on the cross for us. More importantly, He resurrected Himself from the dead so that we would also be able to do the impossible through faith in Him. You have a standing invitation to walk on water! Are you going to accept it?
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© Queen E. F. Phillips. All rights reserved. NOT-FOR-PROFIT use only requires prior written permission from the author. Credit must be given to copyright owner.