Read Mat 14:20-33
This morning we continue our series entitled, “The Year of Supernatural Manifestation”, with our mini-series on “The Miracles of Jesus”. For the past couple of days we have been looking at the story of Jesus AND Peter walking on water. Let’s go back to it today.
After catching up with His disciples in the middle of the water, in the middle of the night, Jesus’ disciples first through Jesus was a ghost. Jesus said, “Don’t worry! It’s me! Don’t be afraid.” Peter replied, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus responded with just one word, “Come!” Peter had the faith to get out of the boat and by God’s grace he literally did walk on water. Peter performed the supernatural just like Jesus. But then, after just a few steps, Peter shifted his focus to the wind and the waves. Once his mind on was on humanity he began to sink. As Peter was sinking he called out to Jesus, “Save me!” Jesus saved him, but He then said something to Peter that is very interesting. Jesus said, “You of little faith. Why did you doubt?” Jesus called Peter’s faith “little”. That’s what we will focus in on today.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. God is looking for consistent faith. Peter did what only he and Jesus have ever done – walk on water. You would think Jesus would commend Peter for it. You would think Jesus would give Peter a pat on the back, an attaboy, or at least an acknowledgement. But no, Jesus was not impressed with Peter’s faith. Why? A few reasons:
a) God expects faith from all of us. So when Peter operated in faith, it was not special and Jesus was not impressed. This is what Jesus expected of Peter every day. Guess what? He expects the same of you!
b) Although Peter operated in faith, Jesus’ comment brings out the fact that He would have liked Peter to have operated in it for a longer period of time.
c) Peter had faith, but it was what I call ‘a short burst of faith’. Anyone can operate in faith for a few seconds.
2. Peter’s faith was short-lived. Peter literally walked on water. This was a supernatural act of faith, but Jesus called it “little faith”. The “little” in Jesus’ statement is not a reference to the amount or type of faith Peter had. It was simply a reference to the duration of Peter’s faith. This tells us something about God’s expectations of us.
a) Peter’s faith was strong enough to walk on water, but his faith lasted but a few seconds.
b) Not only does God expect us to operate and live by faith, He expects us to do it consistently.
c) Anyone can have a short-burst of faith, but God is looking for believers who will literally live by faith every second of every day.
d) Countless believers get excited when they hear a Word from God on Sunday, but by Tuesday many have already forgotten what God said. God is not looking for you to dibble and dabble in faith, He has called you to LIVE BY FAITH!
3. Learn from Peter. Don’t make the mistake he made.
a) When you launch out in-faith, you must keep your focus on God and His Word. God knows your limits and He factored them out when He called you to operate beyond them. But if you factor-in what God factored-out, it will lead to doubt.
b) Doubt leads to fear and fear cancels out faith.
c) Speak the language of faith, like Peter did when he asked for the authorization to walk on water. Hear every Word God speaks through ears of faith, like Peter did when Jesus said, “Come”. Then look at what God is calling you to do through the lens of faith, like Peter did when he got out of the boat. But then remain in faith until you complete the assignment!
d) When you start operating in faith, satan will ratchet up the pressure on you, hoping you will give up before you complete your assignment. Unfortunately, many believers start faith projects, but they give up before they finish, simply because of the pressure they feel to quit. Satan cannot stop you, but if you give up before you complete your assignment, YOU STOPPED YOU!
e) Start in faith and make up your mind that you not give up, cave in or quit. You will finish what you started by the grace of God!
Closing Confession: Father, this is a year of Great Victory for me. You have called and commanded me to walk, live, pray, fight and overcome the world by faith. I declare that I do. I am the just and I live by faith. I speak the language of faith, asking You for things that exceed human limits. I open my ears and my heart in faith, to receive all You have called me to do. I look at what You say to me through the lens of faith, seeing myself become the person You called me to be. And I then launch out in faith, without a doubt, not wavering, remaining steadfast, with my focus stayed on You, believing that You will bring to pass Your best in my life. Living this way I get to experience the best year of my life! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
