The further out on the water – the more there is to lose or gain
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it is you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him saying, “Truly you are the son of God.”
Matthew 14:25-32
I continue to revisit Peter out on that water. God keeps impressing upon me the multidimensional lessons found within this one verse. I have strategically placed this devotional after the one on encouraging because walking on water has profound implications for those who are following you. The further you walk in faith – out on the water – the more people will notice you and/or follow you out there. So, it is critical that you remain focused on Jesus so that you don’t get distracted by the wind, lose faith, and sink. Others may sink with you. On the other hand, if you remain firm in your faith and stand within the wind on that water – the others will follow your example. God impressed upon me the responsibility that comes with having great faith. He wants us to join Him on the other side of faith – past the point where Peter walked and began to sink. God wants us to press through the winds of doubt and fear so that we can reach the other side of faith – and keep walking, thereby encouraging those around us to persevere. Time and time again, God has shown that immeasurable blessings await us when we press through the wind and obtain the win on the other side of faith.
The intensity of our faith will be known by the intentionality of our days. When we intentionally seek Him, press into His Word, and ask for our faith to increase, it will. God will ask us to do things because he tests our obedience. When we are obedient, God rewards us, and our faith increases! Faith brings about obedience, and obedience brings about more faith! It’s so cool! God grows us up this way. He does it in a loving, supportive, encouraging, yet firm way. He does this because the further out on the water you walk the more there is to lose or gain.
Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.
Romans 1:5
Warrior Moms Unite!®
Love,
Kristina
The Warrior Mom Ministry was founded by Kristina Seymour, author of The Warrior Mom Handbook – Equipping Women through the Word, a Bible study for moms who desire to live by faith in the midst of their everyday lives. Kristina has learned that moms can't survive on caffeine and animal crackers alone; women in the Word and in community are united and able to stand firm. To learn more about The Warrior Mom Handbook, the Warrior Mom Ministry, and to sign up for daily encouragement, visit, www.warriormoms.net.