GROWING FAITH Part 5 of 16
STEADFAST
Matthew 14:22-32
Beginning in verse 25: “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.”
STEADFAST
Matthew 14:22-32
Beginning in verse 25: “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’s 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?”
Jeremy drove himself crazy the whole week while trying out for football. One day he’d do okay, the next day he’d flub up. He tried to remain focused on Jesus, but the stress of the tryouts blanketed him with anxiety. By week’s end he was a frazzled bundle of nerves. Tomorrow, the names of the boys who made the team would be posted on the gym door of the Junior High School. Michael laughed himself to sleep watching Jeremy toss and turn.
We can only become stable in our faith when we realize that believing God is a choice.
The second choice is to focus our attention on God. Keeping our eyes on our circumstances restrict our view from the broad picture that God sees. As Peter kept his eyes on Jesus he was walking on water. As soon as he looked to the howling wind, he sank. Can you see Jesus hiding a grin as He chastised Peter, “Why did you doubt?”
It’s easier to focus on the Lord by reading His Word. Bible study comes in many forms. Daily devotions and reading the Bible in the one year plan are just two suggestions. We cannot trust our sight, reason, or knowledge to steer us through a storm of doubt.
Take Home Nugget
First, we’re to choose to believe that the Lord will work on our behalf. Then focus on Him and claim a promise from Scripture that speaks to our hearts. The one that works of me is Jeremiah 29:11. You will grow a steadfast faith, and our heavenly Father will honor your firm, loyal, constant belief with the desires of your heart.
Doubters never find peace or attain their goal.
Eyes trained on Christ alone calms my soul.
J.D. Griffith
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