Edifying The Church-Walking by Faith, Often involves letting go, placing your trust in God, and taking that first step

Walking by faith often involves letting go, putting your trust in God, and taking that first step

Whenever we are tested, And when we are encouraged by Jesus, to walk by faith, no matter what we have been to, we may be reassured that we have walked by faith, regardless of our circumstances in life, the trials, tribulations, the persecutions, the pains, and the griefs of earthly places, the sicknesses, the betrayal and mistreatments, the abundance and mucking.

In the story of Walking on Water, Jesus taught Peter that he should have innermost respect for faith and know that Walking on Water had unimaginable power that would bring forth all the rewards he would receive for trusting God and living in hope that would allow him to achieve victory in life. 

{Matthew 14:22-26} Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night 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.

In an act of miracle, Jesus walked on the sea to His disciples, giving them a glimpse of His Majesty and power. They may have been tested by Him for how much faith they had in Him at the time. As a consequence, the disciples were terrified and thought that Jesus was a ghost, so when they saw Him walking on the sea they cried out in fear. There were no words left for the startling and ghastly sight that was taking place in front of them.

They were talking among themselves and they agreed that it sounded like the Lord Jesus speaking, so they said, “That sounds just like Him.”. Jesus responded immediately by identifying Himself and telling them who He was.

{Matthew 14:27} But Jesus immediately said to them: Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.

In response, Peter shouted back to Jesus walking across the vast expanse of water which was rough and stormy as he crossed it. The fact that Peter believed that it was Jesus who was in the waves storming waters is beyond doubt and that he trusted that it was the Son of God who was there. Peter, in the beginning, displayed bravery, determination, character of courage,  in knowing by faith that it was His Lordship.

{Matthew 14:28-29} 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.

Imagine that Peter took the first step, and that moment when Peter let go of the boat and began walking out to Jesus on the water after letting go of the boat. As you recall and try to imagine that moment as it actually happened, try to put yourself in the moment. Taking that first step in faith often involves letting go, trusting God, and letting go of what you think is possible. Yet despite the wind and the waves waving around us, every step we take when we are surrounded by them requires faith….

{Matthew 14:29-33} 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.’”

• When Peter walked on the waves, looking straight at Jesus, his focus was stating to wavering on continued to go to Jesus. Peter started looking at the storm around him, instead of Jesus. he hesitated in approaching him, The turbulent water was swirling and thrashing around Peter’s legs and he was beginning to sink and drown in the turbulent water and cried out for help. 
• He was disoriented by the ferocity of the wind, and he forgot the greater reality and majesty, authority,  power, and strength of our Lord Jesus Christ, which caused him to fall into the raging sea as a result of being disoriented by the ferocity of the wind. Jesus responded by immediately reaching out his hand and saving him, He then rebuked Peter for his fear and lack of faith.
• Peter’s ability to walk on the water was no doubt due to God’s power, even though Peter was lacking in faith at the time of his test. At the moment of Peter’s doubts, the Lord’s authority, power, and strength enabled him to have the faith to see, hear, and know that it was God alone who empowered him to walk on water by having rooted faith within him to do so.

The truth is that God appeared to reward Peter’s faith in His Son with this opportunity to put his trust in Him by giving him this opportunity to be tested. This experience strengthened Peter’s faith and showed him that Jesus was real and that He was capable of performing miracles. It also taught him that trusting in God’s plan would bring him closer to Him. Peter realized that God was always with him and that He could rely on Him for guidance and support. He realized that faith was an important part of his life and that trusting in God would bring him peace. Peter found comfort in knowing that God was in control of his life and that he could lean on Him in times of need. He also learned the importance of trusting in God’s plan and having faith in Him. 

1. Peter’s faith was strengthened and he became a stronger believer. He learned to rely on God’s guidance and to trust that He had a purpose for him. He also learned how to find comfort in difficult times. Peter was able to weather the storms of life and come out stronger on the other side.
2. His faith in God was unwavering and he was able to find peace and comfort in Him.
3. Peter was a powerful example of faith and strength, and his legacy will forever remain. His journey is a testament to the power of faith and trust in God. 

His story is a testament to the power of faith, hope and courage. It is a reminder that with God all things are possible. Peter’s story is a powerful reminder of the power of faith and trust in God. It is an inspiration to those who struggle and a reminder that with God all things are possible. It is a reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

• It is a reminder that with God, nothing is impossible.
• It is a reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of trusting in God.
• It is a reminder of the importance of having faith and the courage to take risks. It is also a reminder of the importance of having hope and the courage to never give up. It is a reminder that with faith, anything is possible.
• It is a reminder of the importance of being grateful for what we have and being determined to make the best of any situation. It is a reminder of the importance of having faith and the courage to face any challenge. 

 In the life of Jesus, Jesus walked on water which was a powerful demonstration of the belief that we are to walk in faith and faith above our circumstances no matter what they may be. Jesus’ example encourages us to have faith and trust in God, even when our circumstances seem overwhelming. We must remember that with faith, anything is possible. Jesus’ life demonstrates that with God, all things are possible. We can have faith that God will provide us with the strength and courage to face any challenge. With faith, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve success. Jesus’ example also shows us that we should never give up, no matter how hard the situation may seem. We should trust in God and believe that He will provide us with the strength and courage to continue on. With faith, anything is possible. 

Verses to Meditated

{Matthew 14:22-33}

By Elda Sullins.