(Read Mat 14:20-29)
This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. We have been studying the life of the Apostle Peter. Our study has brought us to Matthew 14. For a couple of days we have been looking at the famous, “Peter walking on water” incident. Once again, the disciples were in a boat, it was after 3am, they thought they saw a ghost, and then the ghost-like figure started speaking. They heard a familiar voice say, “Don’t worry! It’s me! Don’t be afraid.” All 12 disciples heard Jesus’ voice, but only Peter spoke up. Peter said, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” To which Jesus replied, “Come”. The Bible says, “Then Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
- Peter knew better than to get out of the boat without hearing from God first. But once Jesus said, “Come”, Peter stepped out of the boat and attempted the supernatural. When God tells you to “Come”, will you have the faith to step out of the boat? You can’t walk on water if you don’t get out of the boat. You can’t hit a homerun if you don’t take a swing.
- It takes ‘investigative faith’ to ask for permission to accomplish the impossible. But once the permission is granted, it takes ‘fearless faith’ to actually attempt it. Said another way, it took one level of faith for Peter say, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” It took another level of faith for Peter to actually get out of the boat and step out onto the water. You may have had the faith to ask God for it, but when God grants you the permission, do you have the faith to go get it?
- Peter said, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus responded, “Come”. Peter got out of the boat and walked on water, but what he was really walking on is a Word from the Lord. You may not be called by God to walk on water, but you most certainly will be required of God to walk on a Word! What Word has God given you that you have failed to walk on? Don’t hesitate any longer. Get out of your boat and WALK on the WORD God spoke to you.
- Living by faith requires us to live by (or walk on) every Word God speaks to us (Mat 4:4).
- When you read the Bible you are reading what God SAID, but you should do so with the goal of hearing what He is SAYING you to today.
- When you hear what God is SAYING to you today, God expects you to have the faith to Walk on that Word.
- When God gives you a Word He is also giving you the assurance that you already have the grace to perform it. He gives you the Word and He gives you the grace. Your part is to have the faith. Your faith taps into God’s grace and you get to perform His will in the earth.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. I am Your child, I hear Your voice, and the voice of a stranger I will not follow. You speak to me daily. I read what You said with the goal of hearing what You are saying to me every day. When You give me a Word, I know Your Word is accompanied by Your grace. You will never give me a Word to do something that You have not already given me the grace to perform. So I embrace Your Word. I expand my capacity to believe You. I have the audacity to ask for permission to perform the supernatural. And once the permission is granted, once You have spoken, once I have a Word from God, I also know I have the grace and I declare that I will launch out in faith. I get out of my boat. I walk on Your Word and by doing so I get to accomplish Your will in the earth. I live by every Word that proceeds from out of Your mouth. And I WALK ON everything You say! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
