But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.' Matthew 14:27
The Lord recently showed me a truth about an amazing account of courage written about Peter walking on the water. Let’s take a closer look from Matthew 14:24-33:
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” He said. Then, Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” “Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
The Lord drew me to a subtle word in this scripture. It reads that Peter was beginning to sink; he didn’t go under as it’s widely portrayed. Once Peter started to fear and doubt Jesus grabbed him and they both walked on water back to the boat. Focusing on the natural reaction from Peter rather than the supernatural response from Jesus takes away from the real miracle! Peter, a mere human, walked on the water! Friends, what’s impossible with man, is possible with God! Luke 18:27
During our storms, we have a Savior who loves us and is always reaching out to give us the courage we need to get through it. Jesus will rescue us when we keep our eyes steadfast upon His gaze. He will deliver us and bring us to safety. He won’t condemn us for stumbling nor will He punish us for doubting.
While typing this an eagle flew by my window. It's well-known that eagles can use the winds from a storm current to guide them above the rain clouds. But an eagle will not leave their shelter during a storm because they know they’re safe there until it passes. A wonderful promise from Psalm 91 says, "whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty and can say of the Lord, “He’s my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." We’re told in Isaiah 40:31, "those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength; they’ll mount up with wings like eagles; they’ll run and not be weary; they’ll walk and not faint."
The word wait in this scripture has a few meanings and one of them is to look upon. Peter’s mistake happened when he took his eyes off Jesus, but his faith was renewed when he gazed back upon Him. He then reached out and grabbed a hold of his Savior’s hand and they BOTH walked on water back to the boat!
Beloved, don’t pull your faith down to the level of your experience. Remember that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. You may not be seeing what you’re hoping for in God's Word right now, but you must remain steadfast in the waiting. You’re commanded to do so, and like Peter, you’ll be blessed when you do so.
Hebrews 12:1-3 Amplified Bible
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Take a moment to listen to this song and ask Jesus to pour out His courage upon you now:
https://www.reverbnation.com/
"You are God’s girl and He loves you! You sprinkle His seeds of love wherever you go!” Those words were spoken to me by my husband Joe many years ago. They came at a time when I was questioning my self-worth in God’s Kingdom, purposes, and plans. The Father made sure that in my darkest spiritual hour, I heard His Truth about my identity and self-worth. It has been my passion ever since to deliver that same message to any who may need to hear it. It is not about who we are, but Whose we are, and I am God’s girl!
