Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Matthew 14:28, ” And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ “

Background

If you’ve ever had a story to tell, but didn’t know where to begin, then you will know what I am experiencing. Having been away on a mission trip to East Asia, there is so much to talk about and so many things to share. When you travel thousands of miles and spend time in a completely different culture, the effects and images that you bring back with you can almost be overwhelming. But let me share this one story today, knowing that there will be perhaps others to share as the days and weeks go by. Our team went to East Asia to share with the lost the story of God’s love and redeeming work through the cross. When we would meet someone who spoke some English, we would engage them and try to share a conversation with them. This was admittedly difficult and not extremely common. But when we could, we would tell of God’s work through creation, the origin and effects of sin, and the restoration and forgiveness available through God’s Son, Jesus. Now, a challenging step would be going from the small talk with someone whose English was not great, to telling them what God had done for them through Christ. My fear and self-consciousness would grip me and almost paralyze me.

Application

But sitting in one of the airports on the way home, while eating KFC and reading my Bible, I was praying and making notes about doubt and its destructive influence over me. I was reading this very passage about Peter walking to Jesus on the water. And as I looked up, a young Chinese man approached me and asked me what I was reading, and if I would explain it to Him. Right there, as I was admitting that I didn’t have the faith or will to get through the initial awkwardness, my Heavenly Father took care of all of that for me. What I had heard for years, that God would provide, that His burden was easy and His yoke light, crystallized for me in that very moment. I confessed and cried for help to do what I couldn’t, but what He could, and He did it. Lord, it was You. On that water, and with me in that airport. Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough.

Charge

As we seek Him today, my heart aches for those who need His help but haven’t cried out for it. Believe that He is able, and lay before Him every weakness and doubt that you have. Ask Him to do for you what you cannot do yourself.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words