(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.
You know 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.
We’ve been delving deep into this story for weeks. Today I want us to take a step back and look at the overall story through the lens of God’s grace.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
- Jesus loved His disciples in spite of their flaws. Each was unique and Jesus never put any pressure on them to become anything other than who they were called to be. He operates with us the same way. All Jesus wants for you is what He planned for you and that’s what you should want. All I want to do is what God wants me to do. All I want to be is the person I am called to be.
- Jesus wanted the best for His disciples. He spent time with them, led them, taught them, mentored them, and loved them unconditionally. This is both an example of Godly leadership and a reminder of God’s dedication towards us.
- The disciples were far from perfect and they made more mistakes than they wanted to remember, but Jesus was patient, kind and committed to their success. Guess what? He is the same way with us.
- Jesus never required His disciples to earn what He gave them. Everything Jesus offered them was offered to them by grace – unmerited and unearned. All Jesus ever required of His disciples was faith. He wanted them to have the faith that would access God’s grace. That’s exactly what He wants of us today.
- Out of the original 12 disciples Peter accomplished the most. But then again, he also made the most mistakes. It’s obvious that God did not use Peter based on merit. God chose to use Peter by grace. He does the same with you. If God only gave you what you deserve you would be a man/woman most-miserable, but God does not give you what you deserve, God gives you what He desires. He does this by grace, and yes, this grace is amazing!
- Do you know what God calls a man like Peter who spoke out of turn regularly, who had a temper so bad he cut a guy’s ear off (causing Jesus to put it back), and who openly denied Jesus three times? Today people might call him a lot of things. But God called him “Son”. Do you know why? It is because of God’s unconditional love and inexhaustible grace.
- God loves you, He made plans for you before the world began, and He is tirelessly committed to those plans. Believe and receive His love. Embrace your divine assignment. Accept His grace and release your faith to become the man/woman God has called, destined, designed and desires for you to be.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. The more I study Your grace, the more free I am of guilt, shame and condemnation. Sin has no power over me. Fear has no power over me. Condemnation has no power over me. I have been forgiven, washed in the Blood of Your Son, filled with Your precious Holy Spirit, called according to Your divine purpose, and empowered by Your unearned grace. Your love is unconditional, Your grace is inexhaustible, and Your commitment towards me is tireless. The more I accept this truth, the more I feel unstoppable, because I know my success is not based on me. It is You Father, living IN me, giving me the words, and performing the work, that enables me to experience grace-based success in the earth. I live my life FOR YOU, because my life is ALL ABOUT YOU! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
