WALKING ON THE WATER

• Matthew 14:27-31 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

Jesus was not surprised by the disciples' cry of terror. He knew they wouldn't believe that He is the one who walks on the water as on solid ground. His gentle and loving voice calmed them so much that Peter not only believed that He is, but he was ready to do what his Lord was doing. At first, Peter believed that he could walk on water to get to where Jesus was. Therefore, he asked the Lord to call him. After the Lord gave him the "green light," he continued to be positive and excited.

Peter relied on the "Come," calling and stepped out on the Word of Jesus, walking on the water and as long as he did not doubt, he remained on top of the water, living the miracle. Unfortunately, too soon he took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the circumstances (the wind and the waves). Instantly, his logic and fear took over and as he lost his support base, he began to sink.

It's easy to have faith to resolve the serious problems that we are going through, as long as we are surrounded by brothers full of faith and we are where the Lord's presence is strong. But what happens when we are alone and begin to think logically, considering our troubles from every angle, and remembering the failures of the past? If we do not stop these thoughts, doubt and unbelief will take control and will cause us to sink into the very problem we are fighting with.

• 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

God has provided spiritual weapons, strengthened by Him, so that they are really effective. The Bible, prayer, praise and worship, keeping a pure heart, without sin are a few of them. The Bible's promises are for those who live in obedience to God and the Christian authority in spiritual warfare is rooted in Jesus, who lives in the heart that is sincerely and completely surrendered to Him.

It is not easy to forget it all and all the real troubles we are going through, but it is not impossible. God does not ask us to do what He does not equip us to do. We can take the thoughts of doubt captive, by proclaiming the truth of God's Word. The more we repeat the truth, the more real it will become for our mind and spirit. By doing so, we will strengthen our faith.

The thoughts that we let to roam free in our minds are those that nourish our faith. Faith in what God can do to solve our problems or fear that we can't get out of the pit we are in.

By focusing on failure and disaster, we are paving our road to destruction.

• Matthew 13:58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

How many blessings and wonderful gifts are not received, because of not having the faith for them?

Their lack of faith that “Jesus is the Christ' - deprived the people of Nazareth of the miracles that the Lord could have done for them. Around that city, only a few believed and were healed.

• Matthew 13:54-56 When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?

What “they thought they knew” in their minds as a result of the physical reality that they thought they knew, canceled all that Holy Spirit showed them during Jesus' ministry. By “reasoning” - they stepped away from the presence of God that had touched them in the synagogue while Jesus taught them. Afterward they chose to doubt Him.

We are called to "walk by faith and not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).

The Holy Spirit is always ready to help us, once we recognize that we need His help and call on Him!

• John 14:26 ”But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

Carmen Pușcaș