Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

WEDNESDAY JUNE 24


WALKING ON WATER


READ:
Matthew 14:27
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Be of good cheer!
It is I; do not be
afraid.
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When I learned to sail, I had to walk along a very unsteady floating platform to reach the little boats in which we had our lessons. I hated it. I don't have a good sense of balance and was terrified of falling between the platform and the boat as I attempted to get in. I nearly gave up. "Fix your eyes on me," said the instructor. "I'm here, and I'll catch you if you slip." I did what he said, and I am now the proud possessor of a basic sailing proficiency certificate!

Do you avoid taking risks at all costs? Many of us are reluctant to step out of our comfort zones in case we fail, get hurt, or look stupid. But if we allow that fear to bind us, we'll end up afraid to do anything.

The story of Peter's water-walking adventure and why it supposedly failed is a popular choice for preachers (MATT. 14:22-33). But I don't think I've ever heard any of them discuss the behavior of the rest of the disciples. In my opinion, Peter was a success. He felt the fear but responded to the call of Jesus anyway. Maybe it was those who never tried at all who failed.

Jesus risked everything for us. What are we prepared to risk for Him?

**Father, thank You for stretching out Your hand and saying, "Come."
Help me to get out of the boat, knowing that it is totally safe to
walk on water with You.
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"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." Helen Keller

**********************Today's Bible Reading __ Matthew 14:22-33*************************
22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat
and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the
multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes
away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.
Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat
was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the
wind was contrary.

25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them,
walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking
on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear.

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good
cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."

27 And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You,
command me to come to You on the water."

29 So He said, "Come."

And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked
on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind
was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried
out, saying, "Lord, save me!"

31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught
him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

12 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 35 Then
those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying,
"truly You are the Son of God."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
The Sea of Galilee is partially ringed with a
series of hills and valleys, which makes it vulnerable to sudden
storms. With little warning, winds can whip through these ravines
in such a way that they lash the waters of the Galilee quite
violently, causing what might otherwise be a typical storm to be
a deadly threat to anyone on the water. This could explain why
seasoned fishermen who made their living on the Sea of Galilee
could be periodically caught in potentially life-threatening storms