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Since I have entered the senior/semi/retirement phase of my life, I thought some of my readers may want to help defray the cost of publishing the Minute Messages. If so, I say a heartfelt "Thank You". You may use the Paypal button to donate any amount or you can mail your donation to me at:Roland Scroggins - PO Box 830804 - Ocala, FL 34483-0804.
WATER WALKING FAITH
Matthew 14:24-32
The story of Peter walking on the water is a collage of interesting emotional
reactions that are resident in every believer’s life. From his initial
hesitation to his eventual act of great faith we are able to catch a glimpse of
our own stutter steps of obedience and daring. I’ve always thought that Peter never got proper credit for his audacious
effort at water walking. Most readers are stuck on the sinking part of the
Biblical story and fail to see the truly remarkable example of basic believer
behavior that Peter exemplifies. It was no small thing to dare to step over the gunwale of that fishing boat
in a raging, boisterous, angry sea in the darkness of the night. As a fisherman,
he knew in his mind that he could not walk on the water but as a believer he
knew in his spirit that his obedience to Jesus would make that miracle possible.
(Our acts of faith always come down to the battle between our mind and our
spirit.) Peter responded to the urging of Jesus and stepped onto the water. To me,
that is a truly remarkable example of how we respond in our times of troubles
when we hear the voice of Jesus speaking to our heart. Beyond all human
reasoning, we simply believe that when Jesus bids us come all will be well. And,
there is nothing wrong with that response – it’s how we are supposed to behave.
We don’t know the distance Jesus was from the boat. Whatever the linear feet,
Peter conquered his doubt and walked on the water until he got within arm reach
of Jesus. For some reason, Peter took his eyes off the Lord and focused on the
impossibility of his situation. Now, before you’re too judgmental remember that
you also experience the same phenomenon in your walk of faith from time to
time. The story does not end with Peter floundering in the sea. It’s true that he
cried out for the Lord to help him and it’s true that Jesus scolded him for his
doubt. But, how do you suppose Peter got back to the boat? Do you think Jesus
carried him? Doubtful. Do you think Jesus miraculously transported Peter and
Himself onto the boat? Unnecessary. I believe Peter and the Lord walked together, on the water, back to the boat.
In doing so, Jesus taught Peter an invaluable lesson of faith. Peter learned
that faith requires a steadfast obedience to the Lord regardless of the
appearances of impossibility. Your circumstances may appear to have no possible resolution but if it’s
water walking faith you need – remember Peter. He stepped out, he walked, he
stumbled and he walked again! I pray the Lord blesses you today. Warmly, in His love and life, Roland Scroggins © 2007