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This Week’s Devotional Topic
LACKING IN FAITH
Oops, I did it again, failed to obey His word, to rest in Him. Dear listening friend, we all fall, lacking faith. Even after all God has done for us time and time again and is doing for us even now!
As I’ve thought about a recent event when I failed to believe that things were going to work out, I think about the example of Peter walking on the water. He knew Christ well enough to know that He could do the impossible. He had seen God at work healing the sick, multiplying the small amount of food to feed thousands. When folks think on Peter in the boat, most will think about him walking on water with Jesus.
Matthew 14: 24-33 The boat and disciples was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night Christ came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Think with me about the basics of this experience.
Peter asked for confirmation. “Jesus if it is really you, then have me come to you on the water”. Well, Christ said come and Peter got his answer, and became the only human (other than Christ Himself) to have ever walked on water.
Folks as you look at a need in your life, ask and you shall receive. God is forever faithful.
Matthew 7:7,8 and also in Luke 11 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Peter got distracted by the circumstances around him. When he saw the wind, was afraid and began to sink…got his feet wet. We are so very much like that. I start the day off with scripture and examples of what God has done. Then as the day gets busy, I get distracted by the storms of this life and “Oops, I did it again”. I took my eyes off Him, failed to keep a proper perspective.
As our Creator and all-knowing God, He knows all about us. He understands our weaknesses.
Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The instant that Peter knew his faith had failed, he called out to Jesus. Wow…just think about it. That had to be one of the fastest, most genuine prayers in history. “Lord, save me”. And “immediately God took hold of him” and He helped him understand why he failed. He lacked faith. And it is noteworthy that this all took place right after Peter had seen Christ feed the five thousand with only five loaves and two fish! But before we get to judgmental of Peter, stop and think a minute. I’m pretty sure you can remember when that was you. You had a “mountain top experience” and your faith was incredible, then moments later you went through something, got distracted by circumstances and you “got your feet wet”.
How do we recover from yet another time when we lacked faith? Confess your sin, call on Jesus in prayer, meditate on Him, invest time in His word and get a correct Christ centered perspective.
Hebrews 12:1,2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Then watch for God’s fingerprints and when things do come together, remember to praise and thank him. Just as the disciples did when Peter and Jesus got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
And in closing, listen to
Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
This week’s Scripture:
Matthew 7:7,8;14: 24-33; Hebrews 12:1,2; 4:14-16 and I John 1:9
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