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 14:24'32 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 walking on water!"
Soon though, the wind started blowing harder against him, and the waves became violent. Peter began to think, "Hey, wait a minute. 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 reached out and saved Peter. 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 called him at all, isn't clear. It is clear 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. For if you do anything meaningful, it will. 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. Don't 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, and shape me into what I need to be. Please teach me, guide me, and give me a clear vision and a clear mind. Help me focus on You, and give me the grace to serve You wholeheartedly. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: For those participating in the Creation Photography weekly themes, here is this week's challenge from group leader, Dianna Wyles: Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." ~ 'Autumn Delights' will be our next fun-tastic theme and is wide open for creative interpretation We also encourage you to post anything else that inspires you as well. My photos this week reflect some of the seasonal changes in nature around us here in California. Some of the seasonal changes around our area are a bit different this year considering all the fire and smoke we have had to live with. Stay safe everyone! Enjoy the season changes around you if possible and never grow weary of doing good! Have a wonderful couple of weeks! Here is the link:
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Amen
Amen. Heavenly Father, Thank You for providing me with strength & all that I need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Amen
God thank you. Amen
Amen
Heavenly Father please strengthen our faith and let our lives be for you and your glory. Amen
Thank you Precious Lord that I can hold on to you and to your strength and your Faith !thank you so much! Good Morning Family!
Amen!!
Amen
In Lord Yeshua's name I ask this, Amen. I want to thank the prayer warriors who have prayed for me and my family. I'm going through physical therapy. Although I've made improvement, I still don't have full range of motion in right shoulder. Just stiffness and pain. Therapist says I've injured my rotater cuffs from what they can tell. Basically, they told me they've done all they can do for me and the next step is for me to see an orthopedic specialist. If God wants me to go through this process, so be it. I will stay focused on Jesus. May God bless you all.
Such a valuable reminder for me today, Pastor Dion! Thank you. Lord, please teach me, guide me, and give me a clear vision and a clear mind. In Jesus' name, Amen
Amen Good Morning Everyone
Heavenly Father help me to focus on You. Amen
Amen and yes Lord I can do all things with you by my side thank you for giving me the faith I need to get through the storm.
Amen! Thank you once again for this devotion today! Thank you for all the time you spend preparing and writing this material for our benefit. I pray that God bless you and Sylvia richly!
Heavenly Father I humbly ask You to strengthen our faith to accomplish the things that You want us to be and do, lead us to have more of You in our lives and to deserve Your blessings. In Jesus Christ name we pray, Amen.
Thank you Pastor and Sylvia for spending your time for us, teaching and leading us to a closer relationship with our Lord. God bless you both, Amen.
Yes, amen Lord, amen and amen
Thank you for a clear mind and please keep me close to you. Amen
Amen and Amen !!! Phil. 4:13 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible, I always finish my prayers with that verse and some other ones, too! It gives me strength for the day and what I or we may have to face! My strength is growing weary and yet there is the Lord, my God, who gives me strength to go on! Please pray for our grandson Alexander!!!
Amen!