Looking at the Waves
Author: Rev. Esther Holmes
May 10, 2018
Think about it! Matt 14:22-33
Where is your faith? The
disciples had faith but they weren’t focusing it on their particular problem.
First, notice the person of our
Lord. He is walking on the waves and allows his servant to do the
same. We see Him in control of our nature. We must first be clear about
Him before we can begin to understand faith.
Peter starts off full of faith and
ends up empty. It happened quickly. This particular sea has storms
drop down suddenly without warning. Remember, the Lord is off praying,
the disciples are in the midst of the sea without Him and the storm starts
up. So when Peter stepped out the waves were already raging. So why
did he become frightened and desperate? O thou of little faith wherefore
didst thou doubt?
1. Peter’s temperament – great
energy, his capacity for quick decisions, enthusiastic, impulsive – constantly
lead him into trouble. This type of person is either on top of the
mountain or totally dependent. Tends to act without thinking. He
was always first.
2. Concerning doubts –
sometimes we produce our own doubts. Peter produced his own doubts when
he paid attention to the waves. You may have doubts but still have faith;
it will be weak faith. If doubt rules you, your faith is bound to be
weak. James 1:6-8 We must never allow doubt to rule.
Antidote – Great Faith
1. Knowledge of the power of
Christ.
2. A steady trust and
confidence. True faith is what Peter had when he stepped out on the water for
he put action to it.
Antidote – Knowing the principles of
God.
John 8:31 Weak faith always
comes back to question. There was no excuse for Peter to look at the
waves in fear he had already dealt with that issue in the boat. Reject
doubtful thoughts – James 4:7
True Faith – persists steadily at
looking toward him. Phil 1:6 – confidence in Christ. Keep steadily
looking at Him and you won’t doubt. Peter started off with great faith
but instead of going on in it he tried to live on it. We live by Christ
and walk by faith.
Rom 8:38-39
Charles Wesley: Faith, mighty faith
the promise sees, and looks to that alone. Laughs at impossibilities and cries
– It shall be done!
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