Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 2, 2014
“‘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.” Matthew 14:28–29
Sometimes Jesus sends us ahead in our boat of faith while He prays for us from a distance. We feel alone at times because He is not physically beside us to provide reassurance that we are on the right course. Then when global uncertainty or storms of sickness strike our core belief, we become fearful. In our crisis of faith, we can get out of our boat of fear and walk on the water toward Jesus or sink in unbelief.
“Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:24–25).
Where does the Lord have you? Are you waiting to launch out in faith? Are you in the middle of a storm anticipating His reassurance any minute? Or has He asked you to get out of the boat for a major faith-stretching goal? Wherever you are in your continuum of faith in Christ, trust Him in the transition. If you are on the shore, get in the boat of belief. If you are in the middle of one of life’sfearful storms, look for Christ coming toward you. If He is asking you to get out of the boat and walk on water, trust Him.
What seems unnatural or impossible to you may be reasonable to Him. It is not a blind leap of faith, for you are fixing your eyes on Jesus. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Do not look to the left at the storm, to the right at the still shore, or down at the uncertain water. Look straight ahead into the confident eyes of Christ. Watch Him as you walk on water in faith.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2–3).
We walk on water not to be seen but to see Him. There is a depth of trust and love for the Lord that only comes from walking toward Him with virgin legs. Like a child learning to walk looks toward the outstretched arms of his loving parent, so we wobble toward our smiling Savior. Go with God and experience great gain, or stay where you are and suffer great loss. Move out of your comfort zone so Christ can be your sole comfort. Stay in the boat and see your limited work. Walk on water watching His unlimited work.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20–21).
Prayer: Where is the Lord asking me to get out of my comfort zone and go with Him?
Related Readings: Genesis 12:4; Numbers 14:8; Acts 9:17; Revelation 17:14
Post/Tweet today: Move out of your comfort zone so Christ can be your sole comfort. #wisdomhunters
Taken from the August 2nd reading in Boyd’s 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God vol. 2” … http://bit.ly/Tv6y9a
Free eBook when you invite 5 friends to the free email devotional…https://www.wisdomhunters.com/invite-your-friends/
© 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved. www.wisdomhunters.com
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God has given me a vision that is about to begin. It’s been a few years in the waiting, but the doors are beginning to open and I see things shifting. I know that things are changing and God is preparing me. The things He is asking me to, have me so far outside my comfort zone, but I’m willing to take that step out of the boat. I’m willing to be obedient, no matter what. I know that God is right there, hand out stretched, ready to grab a hold, should my focus become blurry. I’m ready.
I just wanted to share a brief note about what is going on, so you can see how this devotional totally applies to what God is calling me to do.
I just started getting these devotionals in my inbox. The past two day, I know that as they were being typed, God had me in mind. They have touched me deep and because of that, I have felt the need to share with others. Thank you for being obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings….
Dear Melissa,
Thank you so much for sharing your story of obedience with us. Although, we do not know the specifics of your story, your willingness to obey your Heavenly Father, even if it means you are stepping out of your comfort zone, is inspirational. You truly are the example of what the devotional, “Obey When Afraid” is all about.
So many of us have great intentions (speaking for myself and others)when we want to be obedient but are held back by fear. Thank you for reminding us that He is right beside you (as the devotional reminds us, too).
In “Obey When Afraid”, it states: “Keep your eyes on Jesus. Do not look to the left at the storm, to the right of the still shore, or down at the uncertain water”. You are doing just that! Thank you, Melissa, for setting an example. Please let us know how the coming days and weeks are going as you “get out of the boat and walk towards Jesus”.
We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter and look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:2-3
Thank you, Lord Jesus.