Friday, July 9, 2010

"Life's Sinking Situations"

Scripture Reference
Matthew 14:30-31 14-25

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.

New International Version (NIV)

Matthew, Mark and John saw God in distinct lights, each wrote about the same accounts but from three different prospective. Only Matthew wrote about Peter walking on the water.

Jesus had stayed behind to pray, while the twelve disciples took a boat seven miles on the Sea of Galilee toward Capernaum from Bethsaida. About three miles out they were having trouble rowing against the winds and high waves. Jesus saw their distress and showing His Godhead walked upon the water. He found them out on the sea in the darkness of night. “It is I; be not afraid” (verse 27). Only Christ could have given courage and comfort under such conditions.

A similar manifestation of His power and goodness is required as we are tossed with difficulties and temptations each day. When Christ proclaims himself in the soul all sorrow, fear and sin are at an end.

Peter walked on the water-Christ will gives us power to accomplish the impossible if we receive His word by faith. We must however take care never to put Christ’s power to the proof for the pleasure of vain curiosity.

When Peter heard the wind, he became afraid. It was by faith in the power of Jesus that he was able to walk on the water. When that faith failed, he begain to sink. It was not the violence of the winds or waves that endangered his life but his lack of faith.

“Jesus stretched forth is hand” (verse 31). Every moment we stand in need of Christ we are held up by His power. When we are falling, we can be saved by His mercy. Always remember the power of Christ, which holds us up, instead of the dangers we are exposed.