Like A Rock

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd November 26, 2019 - Filed in Devotional - 6,241 views
  In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, 'It's a ghost!' and they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying 'Cheer up! I AM! Don't be afraid.' Peter answered him and said, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.' He said, 'Come!' Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?' When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. Matthew 14:24 WEB
  
  At the word of Jesus, Peter gently touched the water with his foot and it became solid. So he stepped out of the fishing boat onto the surface of the sea. Then Peter began walking across the water towards Jesus. He must have thought, 'This is amazing, I am actually walking on water!'
  
  Soon though, the wind started blowing harder against him, and the waves became violent. He thought, 'Hey wait, I can't do this! This is crazy! What am I doing out here?' When Peter began to waver and doubt, he sank like a rock. Doubt literally means 'Divided in two.' Faith and doubt are polar opposites. Faith is single-mindedly focused on Jesus regardless of the circumstances around you.
  
  Jesus saved Peter and when they got into the boat, He asked Peter one question: 'Why did you doubt?' Apparently Peter's point of failure was doubt. Whether he doubted himself, his ability to do it, or if he had heard the Lord had actually call him at all, is not clear. What is clear is that Peter was walking on top of the water, but when he began to doubt, he sank into it.
  
  Sometimes the Lord calls us to do something and we step out in faith, but then resistance comes. If you do anything meaningful, resistance will come. It becomes scary, and the wind really starts to blow against us. At this point we can keep our eyes on Jesus and stay the course, or begin to doubt that we can do this at all, and sink like a rock.
  
  Today, forget the wind. Focus on Jesus and keep taking those steps that He called you to do. Do not be distracted by the noise and things that go on around you. Get up, keep going, take the next step. Fear and doubt are your enemies. Push them out of your mind and refresh yourself with scripture. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
  
  Prayer: Heavenly Father I pray that you strengthen my faith, build me up, shape me into what I need to be. Teach me, guide me, and give me a clear vision and a clear mind. Help me focus on You and give me grace to serve You wholeheartedly, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
  
  Note: For those who are participating in our Creation Photographers theme of the week: Mark 7:3-4 "The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles." Did you guess it? ~ 'Traditions'will be our next fun theme, mostly because, in America, we are getting ready to celebrate our Thanksgiving traditions. However, it is also (just a little bit) in honor of our new road trip to championship tradition, as my granddaughter Araya took 2nd place on Vault and 8th place on beam at the California State championship yesterday!!! Our themes are always open for creative interpretation and we encourage you to post anything else that inspires you as well. This week my photos reflect our family's newest tradition of road tripping in support of our champion. Have an amazing week y'all and if you've got to have a tradition>>> make God smile with it - God Bless! Here is the link: Creation Photographers
  
  
  

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