PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Gymnasts have agility combined with great strength.
They are trained to have tremendous focus which helps them perform amazing feats of balance and acrobatics.
But within the strength, one wrong move can leave them vulnerable and weak.
Our faith is the same.
Look at the disciple Peter.
He was the one who confidently stated to Jesus, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16).
He also demonstrated strength of faith when he jumped out of the boat and ran on the water to meet Jesus (Matthew 14:28-29).
But despite his strong faith, Peter’s faith showed weakness.
When he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink in the water (Matthew 14:30-31).
When Jesus was arrested, Peter’s faith succumbed to doubt and fear, and he denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75).
We are no different than Peter.
We may boldly state our belief in Christ, but one wrong move can leave us questioning our faith.
The key is that walk on water.
We can’t take our eyes off Jesus.
Peter allowed himself to be distracted by a storm, and found himself sinking.
But the storm didn’t come out of nowhere.
It was already there when he jumped out of the boat.
Peter was fine as long as he was looking at Jesus.
Jesus knows that about us.
He said to the disciples when He asked them to pray at the Garden of Gethsemane, “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41).
Jesus knows we want a strong faith, but look at the factors that turn faith weak…
A fear of harm (the body is weak).
Peter was afraid of drowning; then he was afraid of what his association with Jesus would do to him physically.
But Jesus, as the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) is able to help us overcome our personal weaknesses and gives us strength that is not our own.
He is generous and gives freely what we need if we will keep our eyes on Him.
Today, as you pray, praise the One who walks on water and Who invites all of us to join Him.
All He asks is our trust, and He’s promised to take care of us!
Pray for strength of faith and a focus that won’t allow you to take your eyes off Jesus.
