Greetings Seaside Iron men,
I have invited a few brothers to add their perspective on our web site (please feel free to submit a brief devotional for us to profmjg@hotmail.com.
Relax and enjoy this one by our brother Randy Stuart. Shalom
Iron michael g
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Hopefully this is a good reminder and a blessing to us all. I love the story of Jesus walking on water. Take a look at this passage:
Matthew 14:22-33 (NASB):
22Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. 25And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!” NASB
Many great sermons have been preached on this passage, but I will share what God has taught me most regarding this passage. We’re going to focus on verses 28-33. The disciples are first scared and then amazed when they realize it is Jesus walking on water. If you’ve ever tried to walk on water, you’ll understand their amazement. Peter took it a step further. He told Jesus if it was really Him, then allow me to walk on the water also. Basically, Peter says, “that’s pretty cool Jesus, but if you really want to show us a miracle, show me how to do it.” Wow! Peter was quite confident. I wonder if Peter really knew what he was getting himself into. Look at verse 29. Jesus told him to come on out and join Him. Peter got out and started walking on the water. Not only is Jesus out there walking around on water, but now Peter joins Him. That is incredible. Now look at verse 30. Here’s where I always fail. Peter’s focus was on Jesus when he got out of the boat and walked toward Him. The wind came up, and Peter noticed the wind and took his focus off Jesus. He became frightened and began to sink. At this point, he cries for help from Jesus, and Jesus does just that. Verse 31 shows us a Savior reaching out His hand to save Peter.
Through the many struggles in my life, this is where I usually fail. I tend to trust in my strength more than God’s, and, of course, that is a big mistake. The “winds” come up in our lives, and we lose focus on our true strength: Jesus Christ. So much in society teaches us to be strong and trust in ourselves. We need to spend more time learning to look to God for our direction. If we can stay focused on Jesus and trust in His strength (not ours) through the good times and the bad times, He will bless us tremendously. As soon as the first problems come up during Peter’s walk on the water, he became frightened, and he lost focus and trust in Jesus. Don’t be too “manly” to remember the true source of our strength. Jesus is always there for us with a waiting hand when we begin to falter. Wake up every day, shed your flesh, cover yourself with His love and strength, know that we are His servants, and stay focused on the cross.
Randy
