How Strong is Your Walk of Faith?

 N.T.#169 "How Strong is Your Walk of Faith?"

Oct. 20, 2023

Matthew 14-Part 12

LET IT GLOW

Before fracturing my bone to the ankle, I took walking for granted. Simply put, I didn't think about having the ability to walk. But when I was directed by the doctor to not walk on it for a month, boy howdy did my thinking change! Although I am walking in my normal shoes without a boot, I still am careful and walk slowly. I do not want to ever go through that again. So I wonder, how is my walk of faith? Lately, it has not been strong. Peter found out how strong his walk of faith was.

When Peter and Jesus got back in the boat, the wind ceased. (verse 32) Did you notice that? Jesus was coming to His disciples during the raging storm. He was going to deliver them, no doubt. Mercy was on its way. In spite of Peter's taking his eyes off Jesus and was sinking, Peter showed he cared for Jesus and trusted his life with the Savior. After Jesus rescued Peter, he was walking with Jesus on the water. We read of no other disciple doing such an extraordinary feat. Did Peter see his weakness and Christ's strength?

Why did Peter doubt? Doubt means to waver (in opinion). 

Jesus called Peter, O thou of little faith. Remember, Jesus could see into people's hearts and minds. 

The strongest faith and greatest courage have a mixture of fear. Nothing but perfect love will quiet cast out fear. Peter's heart failed him. The lengthening out of a trial discovers the weakness of faith. (Matthew Henry)

When faith kept Peter above the mighty storm, he walked on water. It was when Peter's faith staggered that he began to sink. Peter walked as he believed. When faith is weak, prayer should be strong. When Peter cried out, Jesus saved him. Have you trusted and cried out to the Savior to save you? Where are you in your faith-walk?

LET IT GROW

Now know I that the LORD saveth His anointed; He will hear him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.  (Psalm 20:6-7)

Christ's hand is still stretched out to all believers, to keep them from sinking. 

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28)

Trust the hand that is powerful and gracious. Did you notice Perer's faith was big enough to get him out of the boat, to walk toward Jesus on the water, yet it was not big enough to carry him through. Mustard-seed faith must grow into tree size. 

When ordinary means are to be had, miracles are not to be expected. (Henry)

Peace comes when Christ is present. Jesus didn't command the wind and waves to cease. I wonder if He snapped His fingers and it was so. The way to be still is, to know that He is God, and He is the Lord with us.

Keep in mind, the disciples saw what happened to Peter and Jesus. They worshiped Jesus and acknowledged Him as the Son of God. 

Of a truth, Thou art the Son of God. (verse 33)

Faith is the proper principle of worship and worship the genuine product of faith. (Henry)

But without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Do you have pleasing faith? Are we diligently seeking God?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus!

Grow our faith and strengthen our walk.