We are having our first ever morning study! In this morning study, we will discuss the demonstration of faith.
We speak about faith so often, but what does faith look like? Do we actually exercise our faith daily or base faith on how we feel?
This week, we’ll be studying Matthew 14:24-33 (NLT) *I will have scripture below for those who don’t have a physical Bible. That way you don’t have to exit into your Bible App.*
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24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.
25 About 3 o’clock in the morning About three o’clock in the morning* Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus.
30 But when he saw the strong* wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. You have so little faith, Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
32 When they climbed bank into the boat, the wind stopped.
33 Then be disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
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Wow! God is so faithful!
As we can see, Peter was the only one on the boat to react in faith. His impulsive request in verse 28 led him to experience a rather unusual demonstration of God’s power.
Lets think and be real for a second..
Why would Jesus say, “Yes, come” if he’d leave us stranded? We know God’s intentions are only good. Never to harm or hurt us. So, why is it that we have little faith and doubt His ability & who He is? God has asked us to have faith in Him, not what we see. Not the account. Not man. Not the circumstance. Not the GPA. Not the qualifications for any application.
But Him.
Just as in verse 30, we’ve all been Peter at some point. We’ve doubted God and most times we focus on our circumstance and the high waves. Our faith starts to waver when he realize what’s happening. And some, just as myself, begin to panic when we no longer have control.
When your faith starts to lose strength or momentum, it doesn’t mean that it’s the end or you’ve failed. That’s when you call on God.
Whether you’re anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen, don’t doubt Christ’s ability or presence. He’s here and hears your prayers & cry for help.
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Verses 32 and 33:
When they got back on the boat, the wind stopped and disciples worshiped him.
They praised and worshiped after.
Once they saw.
Once they had the powerful, yet unusual demonstration that Jesus really was Son of God.
As we can see, God was still faithful to all disciples, not just Peter. Don’t just witness the demonstration, allow God to use you as the demonstration.
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Throughout this challenge, I want you to start praising God in advance for whats to come! Say YES to his will! Worship Him for all He’s about to do in your life. You may not see it now, but trust and obey. Have faith in who He is. Allow him to instruct you.
Step out of that boat, sis!
Don’t get distracted by your circumstance.
Don’t lose focus of God!
27 “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here!” -Jesus
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Remember, faith is a daily, step by step process. So, grace yourself, sis.
Song: I’ll Just Say Yes by Brian Courtney Wilson
Exactly! I thought the same thing.
Come though! Thank you for that! "if you ask to be used he will use you and you have to remember you’re the one who asked to be used so don’t be discouraged when you feel like you’re out here without a life vest. Get excited for the way God is going to get the glory out of it!"
Love it!
Makes me think about your conference when the young lady spoke on how we create our own waves. In this case, we create our own waves when we panic by not simply trusting God or feeling as though we're out here without a life vest.
“When your faith starts to lose strength or momentum, it doesn’t mean that it’s the end or you’ve failed. That’s when you call on God.“
A whole word. And the part out being used as a demonstration. Come on! The trick is believing that if you ask to be used he will use you and you have to remember you’re the one who asked to be used so don’t be discouraged when you feel like you’re out here without a life vest. Get excited for the way God is going to get the glory out of it!