Trust…

“In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid…”
Psalm 56:11NAS

Trusting in the Lord is vital in a person’s Christian walk. Without trust in God it is impossible to please Him; and it is impossible to walk in faith believing for bountiful blessings and direction for your life. When you trust in God, you put your life in His hands and have faith in your heart that He will be there to catch you when you fall, and guide you in truth and righteousness.

In Matthew 14:25-33 NIV it says;

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s You,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to You on the water.” “Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

There are many important truths found in this passage of Scripture. Firstly, this passage shows us that Jesus calls His people to take steps towards Him in faith that are often out of their comfort zone. In this, the Lord stretches an individual’s faith, which gives them the ability to achieve heights they never thought possible, and enables them to fulfill God’s purpose and plan for their lives. When you step out in faith, you can be assured that Jesus will be there for you, just like He was there for Peter. Even when Peter began to mistrust and have a lack of belief in his heart, Jesus still came quickly to rescue him when he cried out. The Lord is merciful and loving. He understands your thoughts, your emotions, your fears, and your shortcomings. He is not requiring your perfection. He is requiring your trust. Enough trust to take a step towards Him; a step that leads you out of the boat you are currently sitting in and onto the water.

Secondly, this passage of Scripture displays the importance of keeping your eyes on Jesus. Peter had faith to walk out on the water. But once he got there, he began to fear and doubt. When the Lord calls a person onto the water, it is often something that is beyond one’s own ability and can only be sustained in Christ. Peter started to sink because he became fearful and began trying to sustain himself on the water in his own strength.

When the Lord calls a person it stretches a person’s belief, understanding, and faith; like in the example with Peter. At first, he thought Jesus was a ghost. He was afraid and unbelieving. But, when Jesus bid him to come, Peter went. It was a stretch for him and it was a terrifying step to make. But he did it anyway, and in doing so, he reaped a great benefit. In his obedience, Peter realized that Jesus would be there for him no matter what, and he learned that Jesus was trustworthy.

Each and everyday the Lord Jesus bids His people to walk out on the water; to take steps of faith, and to trust in Him to be there to see them through. “Walking out on the water” represents having faith, courage, and belief in God; and doing the things in life that He is asking you to do, even when it is difficult to do so. When you obey the Lord and do as He is commanding you; you are showing the Lord that you love Him, that you are willing to lay down your life for His calling, and that you trust Him with your whole heart.

Jesus is bidding you to come this very day. The question is; “will you go?” You can decide this very moment to get out of the boat you are sitting in and walk onto the water towards Jesus. He is calling you and He is waiting for you. Take His hand this day and take a step. Walk on the water and have faith, trusting that He is there.

You can start by praying this prayer aloud to Him;

Dear Lord Jesus,

I ask that You would forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I welcome You into my heart and I ask that You would be the Lord of my life. I ask that You would help me to believe and to have faith in You and all You are calling me to do in my life. I choose this day to take a step of faith towards You. I choose to get out of the boat I am currently sitting in and to walk onto the water, where You are bidding me to come and waiting for me. I thank You for these things.

In Jesus Mighty Name I Pray,

Amen