(Read Mat 14:28-31)
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 the past couple of weeks we have been looking at Peter’s famous walking on water incident. Let’s go back to it today.
Peter said, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” This is key. Peter wanted to know if this was God. Peter wanted to know if it was God’s will for him to be ON the water. Peter inquired of the Lord and the Lord said, “Come”. Once Peter was convinced that it was God’s will for him to walk on water, then and only then did he get out of the boat. The problem was, he did not stay convinced.
Peter walked on water. He defied gravity. He did the impossible. He flowed in the supernatural. But he did not do it long. While Peter was walking on the water he shifted his attention to the wind and the waves. Then the Bible says, “He was afraid and began sinking into the water.” When Jesus got him out of the water the Lord said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Getting convinced is one thing, but staying convinced requires consistent faith.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. Faith is not you telling God what to do. Faith is not you attempting to get God to put a “YES” on your plans. Faith is God attempting to get you to put a “YES” on His plans.
2. God already made plans for you. Solomon said it this way, “That which is has already been, and that which will be has already been, for God seeks what has passed by [so that history repeats itself].” (Ecc 3:15). I heard my Pastor (Apostle Cynthia Brazelton) say, “It’s as if God mapped out your life, rewound the tape, and then pressed play.” God’s plans for your life have already been written. The question is, will you come in agreement with them? Faith comes in agreement with what God already planned.
3. Faith is not something you do to persuade God. Faith is what happens to you when you are persuaded of God. Peter was persuaded. Peter said, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” When Jesus said, “Come”, Peter’s persuasion reached the point where he had enough faith to get out of the boat. Peter was convinced that it was God’s will and he stepped OUT in that conviction.
4. Faith is not you moving God, faith is God moving you.
5. When Peter said, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water”, all the emphasis was on God. In your case you might be saying,
a) Lord, if that’s really you leading me to write this book, tell me to do it and I will write it.
b) Lord, if that’s really you leading me to start this business, tell me to do it and I will start it.
c) Lord, if that’s really you leading me to submit this proposal, tell me to do it and I will submit it.
d) Lord, if that’s really you calling me to this job, tell me to do it and I submit my resume.
e) Lord, if that’s really you calling me out of the military, tell me do it and I will get out!
f) The point is that the emphasis must start and end with God! There can be no faith where there is no grace.
6. Once you are convinced that something is God’s will, and once you get persuaded to the point where you get out of your boat, STAY CONVINCED! STAY PERSUADED! Keep the emphasis on God and His power. Never take back the reins. Never make it about you. Never rely on your strength. The reason the Bible teaches us to DIE TO SELF is that so that we don’t get in the way, like Peter did, and interrupt God’s flow. Once Peter got in the way he began to sink. The same will happen to you if you insert yourself in situations that exceed human ability.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. You made plans for me before the world began. You made those plans by grace. My part is to live by faith to access and experience Your grace. Faith is not me coming up with whatever I want. Faith is me getting convinced of what You already planned. Faith is me coming in alignment with my assignment. I declare that I get convinced and I stay convinced. I ask You, “Father, if it’s You leading me to do this… or that, tell me to do it and I will do it.” When You tell me, I go. When You persuade me, I am fully persuaded. I step out in faith, giving glory to my God, refusing to consider the limitations of this world. I stagger not at Your promise through unbelief. I am fully persuaded that what You have promised You are more than able to perform in my life. And I stay persuaded, I stay convinced, all the days of my life! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
