(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 few weeks we have been looking at Peter’s famous walking on water incident. Let’s go back to it today.
By now you have probably memorized the story. Peter said, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come”. Peter got out of the boat. Peter walked on water. He only took a few steps. He shifted his focus from Jesus to the wind and the waves. Peter started to sink. He called out, “Jesus, save me.” Jesus saved him and then instead of commending Peter for walking on water, Jesus rebuked him for having “little” faith. That’s how it is with God, living by faith is a journey. Learning to live by faith requires constant learning and constant adjustments.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
- Your sinking has NOTHING to do with God. Your sinking has everything to do with you losing focus. Peter shifted his focus and he sank. If we are honest, we can say the same about us.
- Living by faith is a journey and along the way you are going to make mistakes. The good news is that God does not allow your mistakes to disqualify you from your assignment (see Rom 11:29).
- If you make a mistake, at least you were trying. It is true that Peter sank when he walked on water, but he was the only one to get out of the boat. Have you left your boat yet?
- You can be ‘safe’ and never attempt anything, or you can venture out in faith. Sure, you may make a mistake, but then again, you may just experience a life-changing moment. You will never know unless you try.
- Remaining in faith is the key. Once Peter stopped believing he went straight down. But learning to remain in faith takes practice. It took Peter some time to learn and it will take you some time as well. But you will never learn unless you practice.
- To live by faith you must make this major adjustment: shifting from living by this world to living from the Words you receive from heaven. It’s not always easy. You will not always get it right. Sometimes you will fall on your knees in frustration, other times to simply ask for mercy, but the good news is that God will never give up on you.
- Peter made more mistakes than all the other disciples, but he also became the leader of the New Testament church. So don’t worry, your mistakes have not derailed you from your destiny.
- Learn to enjoy your journey with Christ – mistakes and all.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. You have called and commanded me to walk, live, pray, fight and overcome the world by faith. When I came to You I had years of programming that taught me how to live by the systems and ways of this world. I was then Born-Again and I needed to learn a new way to live. It has not always been easy and I have made my share of mistakes. But I am learning and growing. I find peace in knowing that You will never give up on me. You look past my faults, flaws and failures, and You choose to focus on my divine assignment. Day-by-day I am getting incrementally closer (by Your grace), to the person You called me to be. I am learning to walk and live by faith. I am learning to adjust from the system and ways of this world to living by the Words I receive from heaven. I am in the world, but not of the world. I receive my marching orders from heaven. As I do, I believe what I receive and I launch out in faith to do all You lead me to do. I may not be perfect, but I shall experience grace-based success! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
