Faith Steps Out…

“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?”

Matthew 14:28-31

 

Faith is when you choose to believe God and by acting out that belief you establish your life upon what God has said!

Gosh, could I have emphasized particular words any more strongly above?

We often declare: “I believe God!” but then our declaration fails to grow hands and feet.

Yep, you knew it was coming – we talk the talk but don’t walk the walk.

Faith is more than just words.

Faith is acting on the Word of God spoken to you.

It’s allowing God to order your steps and not just your declaration.

Don’t misunderstand – what we believe and declare is important.

But if all we do is ‘believe and declare’ without any subsequent steps we are not walking by faith.  

Much has been preached and taught about Peter’s doubt and his subsequent sinking.

It’s true that he took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the storm around him.

But you could also ask the question – How many other disciples got out of the boat?

Peter believed the invitation of Jesus and by stepping out of the boat he acted on that belief and, even if for a short time, he established his life (some in unbelief might say he risked it) on what God – through Jesus – had said.

Jesus never spoke words in error.

It was no accident on His part when He said “…little faith…”

He didn’t day – nor did He mean to say …you of no faith… when He spoke to Peter.

Peter’s faith, no matter how small, still moved him to action.  

It wasn’t a lesson lost, it was a lesson learned.

Will you put action to Gods’ word to you?

What has He spoken and what can you do to step out in that faith?