STRENGTH FOR THE WEEK: Flood Church’s Weekly Devotional

Series 1: The Voice of God

A Commanding Voice

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“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?” Matthew 14: 28-31

A common theme in our lives is the desire to have control. Control takes many forms: we want to control who we spend our time with, what we do with our time, and especially the future we have planned for ourselves. In our culture, control is something that is viewed positively, meaning that it is desirable to be in control of a situation or have control of your life. Conversely, someone is usually looked down upon if their life looks out of control. However, we are often so focused on controlling our lives and our circumstances that we are no longer listening to what God has to say about anything that is going on, and we are unable to obey his commands.

In this story in Matthew we see that Peter’s initial focus is on God and finding out if it is really Christ on the water and he asks for confirmation that it is Christ in a manner that only Christ can follow through on. Peter knew that God was in control of the situation, and he knew that as long as he trusted Christ he would be able to stand and walk because Peter was in a mindset of obedience. When Christ said, “Come,” there was no hesitation, there was no wondering about the will of God for his life and if this was the right option, and there was no attempt by Peter to put his plans first. In a mindset of obedience Peter walked on WATER.

And then the wind came.

I like to think of the wind as the distractions of our life, perhaps money, relationships, or the future. Peter was no longer focused on God, and was no longer in a place of obedience and so he started to fall. Thankfully for Peter and for us, when we cry out to Christ in these situations He has the power to respond and save us. And after the crisis is averted and Peter is with Christ again, Jesus asks him a the question, “Why did you doubt?” I picture a look of pain on his face as he asks this question. Why did you doubt me? Why did you become distracted? Why do you not trust me, did you forget all that I have done for you?

Where in your life right now do you need to let go of control and adopt a mindset of obedience? God knows infinitely more than we ever could about our lives and our struggles and He wants to help you. Are you taking the time to stop and listen to His commands and most importantly are you responding with obedience? As you go through this week invite God into the plans you have for your life and listen to His commands and be amazed at all the good work that He will do in and through your life.

Keep the Faith