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Walk On Water Is Easy But Staying On Top Is Hard Series
Contributed by William Tan Yh on Jun 22, 2020 (message contributor)
Summary: Peter walked out of the boat and sank. We all need to learn the lesson on faith which Peter learnt that night.
Dear brothers and sisters, welcome to today’s devotion.
There have been countless situations when I struggled to trust God because those problems I faced appeared too big even for God to help me.
This is the case for Peter as we can see from Matt 14:22-33. While the twelve disciples were crossing the lake on a boat in the middle of the night. Jesus walked on the water and was passing them by. Then Peter called out to Jesus “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come,” Jesus said, “Come,” Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water. However, when Peter saw a wind and wave coming, he was afraid and began to sink. He cried, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus held Peter by his hand, saying “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Today, I will like to share three encouraging thoughts with you.
Number 1: The Near-ness of God to help us.
When Peter cried out, “Lord, save me”. Jesus came near and lift him up.
James tells us, draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, and do not be double-minded. (James 4:8).
We must draw near to God and restore a right relationship with Him. And we have the assurance that He will answer our prayers.
Number 2: The Willingness of God to save us.
We observe the willingness of Jesus to come to lift Peter up. There isn’t a slightest hesitation or delay by Jesus to save Peter.
I recall a story in Matt 8:2,3 where a leprous man came to Jesus saying, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus answered him, “I am willing,” and healed him.
We must believe that the Lord is willing to hear our prayers and come to save us.
Number 3: The Ability of God to deliver us.
Peter’s mistake was to allow the sight of the huge wind and wave to cause him to doubt Jesus. Therefore, we must learn from Peter’s mistake and not to do likewise.
The God we serve is the same God who brought the Israelites across the Red Sea on dry ground and gave victory to David over Goliath. We must remember all His mighty deeds recorded in the Bible. Jeremiah 32:27 says, “I am the Lord the God of all mankind, is there anything too hard for me?”
Today He is here with you and I and will deliver us from our troubles.
I wish to rephrase the above three points in slightly different words. Let us mediate on them for the rest of the day.
#1: The Lord Is Near To You
#2: The Lord Is Willing To Hear Your Prayers
#3: The Lord Is Able To Help You.
Brothers and sisters, I wish you to have a Blessed Day ahead.