Peter is a man after my own heart. I feel a certain bond with him. Perhaps, it is because he reminds me of myself at times and my friends and family at other times. Or it could be that I see Peter in all of us as we walk the Christian path and strive to serve Christ obediently, and yet, possessing shortcomings that can become our own stumbling stones.
We commend Peter for attempting what we might consider the impossible. Water, after all, is not cement or paved road. But he did actually walk for a certain space across the turbulent waters. How was he able to do this? It was simply that he had his eyes on Jesus, the symbol of victory, approaching through the storm. Faith identified him with Christ and endowed him with divine power. It is an example of faith in action, for it brings life into harmony with the creative will. Such faith is the victory that overcomes the world. In that moment of utter and complete identification with Christ, Peter achieved the impossible.
But, when he took his focus off Jesus; when he began to focus on the storm, he began to sink. How sad to fail after having started successfully. This scenario mimics our own does it not? So often we begin well but become distracted by negative forces. We allow our fears and unbelief; our overconfidence and feigned self-sufficiency to capture us and bind us in the psychological tomb of defeat. Peter recovered and so can we. He readjusted his eye focus. Once rid of his self-assertiveness and self-sufficiency, and acknowledging his need, his danger, his weakness and his folly, he looked at Jesus and cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus saw him and immediately lifted him up. It was not Peter's faith, but his faith in Christ Jesus that saved him. When he called, Jesus responded.
Our Lord told us to ask and we will receive and to knock and the door would be opened for us. Because the winds of temptations are so strong, we must ask God for the victory that only He can give. We call upon Him to help us to keep our vision clearly on our Savior and our hearts attuned to His holy word.
By faith we live in Him and enjoy His true victory.
Scriptural Reference: Matthew 14:30.
Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, veteran social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach which can be reviewed on her site. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: My Grief Management Workbook, is expected to be available soon.
You are welcome to visit amen ministries: your soul's service station for spiritual refreshing, soul edification, browse our newly expanded mini shopping mall or review our recommended books you may want to add to your personal library.
Blessings to all!
recurring cleaning service Mundelein ..One thing that Jesus was NOT - was flashy. When... Read More
You have everything you need: a miraculous body, a phenomenal... Read More
There is a concept in Jewish mystical thought known as... Read More
You're probably sabotaging your successful Christian life right now if... Read More
IS FAITH - NOT VITAMIN C WHAT'S MISSING FROM YOUR... Read More
Don't be confused that a saint is a religious leader... Read More
There is a chronology of events from creation to the... Read More
Perhaps one of the most wonderful assertions that can be... Read More
Many of us have been taught that it is wrong... Read More
Ever notice how people dread discussing... Read More
The time has come for the mass population on Earth... Read More
One of the first steps toward understanding the Tarot lies... Read More
Every month I usually sit down and write an article... Read More
forgiveness stories quotes definition and loveForgiveness is that quality in... Read More
Someone asked me the other day what was the most... Read More
The contrast between the two men could not have been... Read More
Excerpt from The Journey That Never Was: a guide to... Read More
Some may ask what is the true will of God... Read More
The earth is wrapped in a thin, loose shell of... Read More
It's strange how my life today looks wildly different from... Read More
As communion was being passed this morning, I listened to... Read More
'O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom... Read More
When we feel that something has gone wrong and are... Read More
Here they are, our Ladies of Mercy and Divine Benevolence.... Read More
Listen to the sound of silence. Enjoy the peace and... Read More
tidy up service Buffalo Grove ..You have everything you need: a miraculous body, a phenomenal... Read More
Everybody knows that if you stick your hand in a... Read More
Baptism and christening ceremonies are an important event that signifies... Read More
Second Isaiah, so called because his book of prophecy was... Read More
Ever notice how people dread discussing... Read More
What the Animals Tell Us"I am the Sun's son. I... Read More
What is a Christian? According to The American Heritage? Dictionary... Read More
Talked to an interesting person today at a coffee shop,... Read More
THE PREMISEFeng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that has... Read More
The gate of every year is the begining of that... Read More
The human body is surely a miracle of God's creation.... Read More
I am sure many of you reading this article have... Read More
As human beings it is inherent to want to self-actualize... Read More
Paul is led up a 512 ft. hill, Mars Hill,... Read More
There is nothing more valuable to a sentient being then... Read More
There is no such thing as a coincidence. Albert Einstein... Read More
Some may ask why in a disaster some people are... Read More
Rose Ann Schwab is an internationally and world renowned professional... Read More
Recently I was watching a re-run of "Everybody Loves Raymond".... Read More
Vanity - it's easy to mask, easy to forget, and... Read More
After first seeing my photography, people... Read More
Jesus said, "No one can see the Kingdom of Heaven... Read More
Until recently, miracles were usually credited to a supernatural power.... Read More
He knew it was going to happen. He wasn't really... Read More
There are many different and interchangeable terms that are used... Read More
Spirituality |