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!
cleaning team near Winnetka ..We have a proclivity to think of individuals and nations... Read More
One of the first issues people on the spiritual path... Read More
"Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught... Read More
ADDICTION: - There are numerous obsessions and addictions which prevent... Read More
I was walking down the street the other day, walking... Read More
"Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for... Read More
"You have not handed me over to the enemy but... Read More
An angel can be your best friend. Angels have been... Read More
Do you have a servant's heart? Has God blessed you... Read More
In the movie "A Beautiful Mind" John Nash (played by... Read More
Some people think just by saying the words thank you... Read More
When we ask ourselves the question who am I in... Read More
"What does it profit a man to have gained the... Read More
It was in the middle of the night and the... Read More
When my dad was nearing the end of his life... Read More
It seems to me that our moment to moment relationship... Read More
(Channeled)Roy-when does the end of physical life come? Is it... Read More
Every month I usually sit down and write an article... Read More
The spiritually dead church. Now, I am not talking about... Read More
What does it take to live life holistically?It definitely does... Read More
Military personnel at a U.S. prison in Guantanamo, Bay, Cuba... Read More
Far to many people have become "followers" rather than BEING... Read More
What is a Christian? According to The American Heritage? Dictionary... Read More
Contrary to popular beliefs, we are not our mind, our... Read More
Rabbi Kushner in his book "When Bad Things Happen to... Read More
family-safe home cleaners Northbrook ..Most of our troubles are bought about by exercising our... Read More
It's not always easy to stand in the midst of... Read More
Unconditional love means unconditional freedom. Love and freedom are two... Read More
Connecting with the Moon phases, the Full and New Moon... Read More
The human race had their beginning, and I had mine... Read More
Were you lied to as newborn Christian? I was...let me... Read More
There is a chronology of events from creation to the... Read More
Stress is amazingly persistent, even seductive. We get used to... Read More
If you would like to learn to read tarot cards,... Read More
John Eldredge writes in his book Waking the Dead, "God... Read More
On January 13th 1982 an Air Florida flight crashed off... Read More
Divining Rods, also known as Dowsing Rods, have been used... Read More
The word means different things to different people. Is it... Read More
Feeling restless? Is part of you calling out for change,... Read More
Limiting beliefs, just like positive, empowering thoughts, provide a foundation... Read More
We've all heard the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as... Read More
70% of people who send me feedback at http://www.insideoutmusic.net tell... Read More
Many look outside of themselves for an experience of the... Read More
God poetry is one of my favorite genres, although I... Read More
The essence of the Christian faith is the good news... Read More
I find myself floating on a cloud as heavenly music... Read More
Back in 1992, Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise co-starred in... Read More
One of the first steps toward understanding the Tarot lies... Read More
It was in the middle of the night and the... Read More
I'm not sure Paul had the Japanese culture in mind... Read More
Spirituality |