It's Time for a Step of Faith
I love the story of Peter walking on the water! It's so inspiring to see Peter take that bold step of faith out of the boat. But, this is often easier said than done; let's look at this story again and draw out 6 thoughts that the Holy Spirit is wanting us to apply to our lives to strengthen us to take our next step of faith.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”29 “Come,” he said.Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” — Matthew 14:25-33
6 Thoughts That Will Help You Take Your Next Step Of Faith:
1. The Next Opportunity Can Be Frightening
The disciples were afraid when they saw Jesus approaching. They could have attempted to stir the boat in another direction but instead they chose to engage what seemed scary to them.
2. Quiet the Voice of Fear
Jesus immediately tells them to "Take Courage" and not be afraid. When God has a new season for you to step into it can seem scary and uncertain; the devil or people around you will try to speak fear and doubt into you. That fear can paralyze you if you're not careful.
3. Make Sure Jesus Is In It
Peter checks to be sure that this really is Jesus. He asks, "If it's you?" Before you take a bold step of faith; make sure that Jesus is in it. Get council from the Word of God, the Holy Spirit and other mature Jesus followers.
4. If Jesus Calls — Take The Step
Eventually, if you want to do what God has for you to do, you have to step out of your current "boat" or comfort zone and into the stormy unknown where Jesus is calling. Go for it!
5. Stay Focused on Jesus
When you take the step, it won't be long until you find the wind and waves of the new seasons are bigger and scarier than you imagined. If you're not careful, that's when fear can grip our hearts instead of the faith that comes from staying focused on Jesus — and keep walking!
The presence of the storm doesn't alter the call that Jesus gave.
6. Even If You Fail — He Won't
While we all would have loved to see Peter successfully walk out to Jesus on the water and back to the boat in total faith, he didn't, and we won't always either. The good news is that Jesus walk with us, and when our faith fails, his won't.
If you fail, reach out and grab the hand of grace.
TAKE THE STEP!
Wherever you are at, look to Jesus and take the step when He calls! Praying for faith and boldness to step out of the boat!
