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Post by Betty on Apr 9, 2005 17:02:25 GMT -5
Dear U,
The disciples were alone in their boat when the storm hit. 3 o'clock in the morning they were terrified by a figure approaching them on the water. Jesus spoke, 'It is I; do not be afraid.' Peter answered, 'Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come.
For the next few days, let's examine this story:
(1) Water-walking isn't just about risk; it's about discernment. There's a story about a man standing at the pearly gates. Saint Peter says, "Name one great deed you've done." The man replies, "Well, a gang of bikers were threatening a woman, so I smacked them, kicked over their bikes and ripped out their nose rings." Impressed, Saint Peter asks, "When did this happen?" The man answers, " 30 seconds ago!" Learn to discern between God's voice and your own impulses. God's not looking for bungee-jumping, hang-gliding, tornado-chasers! He's looking for wisdom and spiritual maturity.
(2) Water-walkers have to leave the boat. Change places with Peter. The storm's raging and he's afraid. The boat's secure and comfortable - who wouldn't want to stay there? But you can't! God designed you to do more than simply avoid failure; He designed you for faith-filled adventures with Him!
(3) What's your boat? Where do you put your faith when life gets stormy? A job? A relationship? Remember, your boat is anything that stops you from stepping out in faith to walk with Jesus. Leaving it is the scariest, most rewarding step you'll ever take!
Stay tuned - To be continued...
God bless
luv--AARON
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Post by Betty on Apr 9, 2005 17:03:26 GMT -5
Dear U,
Now Peter realises its Jesus who spoke saying "it is I; do not be
afraid"! Does it stop there? What happened next?
Well, once Peter was satisfied it was Jesus who'd called him, he left
the security of the boat and entrusted himself to the power of God. But
then it happened, "Peter saw the... waves... became afraid and began to
sink." To walk on water you must:
(1) Focus on the Saviour, not on the storm. We all know what it's like
to 'see the waves'. You begin a new venture - a job, a relationship, an
area of spiritual growth - full of hope. Then reality sets in and you
encounter setbacks and opposition. Jesus said, "In the world ye shall
have tribulation" (john 16:33) . Expect it - it comes with the turf!
(2) Reject 'risk-lock'. Eileen Guder writes: "You can live on bland
food, go to bed early, stay away from night life, avoid controversy, never
give offense, mind your own business, avoid involvement, spend money
only on necessities and save all you can. And still break your neck in
the bath!" (Quoted in Holy sweat!). Refuse to give in to 'risk-lock', a
condition that, like gridlock, will stop you from moving ahead.
Remember, staying in the boat doesn't guarantee safety. It only guarantees
you'll eventually die from something else. In simpler words,too much
analysis leads to paralysis.
(3) Accept fear as the price of growth: Growth involves exploring new
territories and taking on new challenges. Each time you do, you'll
experience fear, because fear and growth go together like macaroni and
cheese. They're a package deal! The answer is to get out of the boat a
little more each day, until fear loses its ability to control you.
Yes...We still have a few miles to go before you learn to walk on
waters.Stay tuned!
God bless....
luv--AARON
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Post by Betty on Apr 9, 2005 17:04:14 GMT -5
Dear U,
Congratulations-You've made it to the 3rd level of Water-Walking! Read on Brothers and Sisters!
Well, are you familiar with the term 'couch potato'? Well, the disciples who stayed on board out of fear were 'boat potatoes'! They enjoyed watching in comfort without actually doing anything! Sound familiar?
Now before you judge them too harshly, have you considered that you might be a 'pew potato'? = That's somebody who goes to church for comfort and a little spirituality, but won't take the risks and challenges involved in actually following Jesus.
Risk and comfort are both habits that become part of your daily life. Each time you risk leaving the boat, it means you're more likely to do it again. Sure you'll experience fear, but each time you step out on the water without drowning, you realise that fear no longer has the power to destroy you. On the other hand, each time you resist God's voice and choose to stay in the boat, His voice becomes a little quieter, until eventually you don't hear it at all. Wouldn't it be worth any risk to avoid that, the greatest loss of all?
In simpler words, Comfort is our greatest siren calls!!
Today, God's looking for disciples who are ready to leave the boat. People who are willing to say, "Lord, I may be a small potato - but this spud's for you!" So how about it? Are you going to play it safe, or are you ready for a water-walking adventure with the Lord? If you are, you'll never regret it.
God bless...
luv--AARON
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Post by Betty on Apr 9, 2005 17:05:15 GMT -5
Dear U, Where did I stop last? Oh yes! Peter stepped on the water. What happened next? SINK!! Well, I would say just because Peter started to sink, didn't mean he failed. Here's why: (1) Failure is not an event - only a judgment about an event. Failure is an indispensable part of learning. Sir Edmund Hillary made several attempts to scale Mount Everest before succeeding. After one such attempt he stood at the base of the mountain, shook his fist in defiance and shouted, "I'll defeat you yet; you're as big as you're going to get, but I'm still growing!" He learned something from every unsuccessful attempt, until one day he succeeded. What an attitude! (2) The real failures were still in the boat! They failed quietly and privately; their failure went unnoticed and un-criticised. Although Peter 'crashed and burned' publicly, he experienced two things: (a) The euphoria of walking on water: He alone knew how it felt to be empowered by God to do what he could never have done by himself. Once you've walked on water you never forget it; Peter would take this moment to his grave! (b) The joy of being lifted by Jesus in a moment of despair. Peter knew in a way the others couldn't, that if he sank, Jesus would be there to save him. He shared a moment, a connection, a trust that the others didn't. How could they, when they never left the boat? Failure doesn't come from sinking - it comes from letting fear stop you from obeying God.  God Bless... luv--AARON |
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