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!
move in cleaning service Mundelein ..There I was living in a tiny bedroom in my... Read More
While I do hope to avoid arguing the merits or... Read More
In his book, Stress Without Distress, Dr. Selye suggests that... Read More
Being critical of Buddhism isn't easy.Buddhism is the most likable... Read More
It was my intention to explain the word "simple," and... Read More
"I would rather regret some of my failures in life... Read More
Eden, the garden of ecstasy is no longer available to... Read More
Often, in being dishonest about our own faults and failures,... Read More
It's real easy to look at the physical world around... Read More
There's a Native American belief that before we are born,... Read More
1. The name Michael means, "Who is like God". In... Read More
The Many Waters explores the universe and sifts through the... Read More
To many people in the Western world Metaphysical Healing is... Read More
People rarely live up to a hundred years of age... Read More
In a recent article entitled "Our Virtual Reality Reality" I... Read More
Rose Ann Schwab is an internationally and world renowned professional... Read More
Although your creative ability and talent is something that God... Read More
I heard recently on a Christian radio station somebody talking... Read More
The following article is an exploration of the Spring holiday... Read More
Five verses specify that we are to live by faith.... Read More
God made humans in his image but these days very... Read More
In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the... Read More
When the storms in your life are raging, just believe,... Read More
What the Animals Tell Us"I am the Sun's son. I... Read More
I was in the bank's vault. The Brink's armored truck... Read More
insured cleaning company Highland Park ..In His graciousness, God has blessed us to enter a... Read More
The possibility of almost 400 Old Testament prophesies coming to... Read More
As we walk these halls of Life viewing the world... Read More
It is within us to... Read More
*Advice on living a humane and compassionate life.According to text... Read More
Want more peace and joy in your life? Daily stress... Read More
Those five words are from a song that I remember... Read More
A Tarot card deck typically consists of 78 colorful cards... Read More
Symbols and symbolism are popular in almost every civilisation, culture... Read More
A Nathan type prophet sees with his eyes. A Samuel... Read More
It's human nature to point a finger when we think... Read More
WOW ... what a question. But today, while I was... Read More
Greetings Divine Ones, I am going to ask you a... Read More
Am I dreaming? The sign outside the skyscraper reads: "Spiritual... Read More
Continued from "Origin of Certain Thoughts, Part I"If you haven't... Read More
It's not exactly a news flash that we live in... Read More
I have been thinking about this all night. I am... Read More
Once you become saved and born again, the Bible tells... Read More
I was walking down the street the other day, walking... Read More
Rose Ann Schwab is an internationally and world renowned professional... Read More
Our Creator is an infinitely loving and generous provider -... Read More
One day Gilligan ventures off as usual into the jungle.... Read More
Jesus said, "No one can see the Kingdom of Heaven... Read More
Christianity: White man's religion?Martin Luther King referred to Sunday as... Read More
I am not saying this because I am in need,... Read More
Spirituality |