Monday, March 22, 2010

Just a Little Bit

Matthew 14:28-32

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.


Just a Little Bit

This is a familiar passage to those who study the Gospels. The disciples were in a boat during a storm when they say a figure out on the wave. It was Jesus. Peter challenged Him with the request to 'bid me come unto thee on the water.' When Jesus answered, Peter stepped out on the waves and walked for a bit on the water.

We know that Peter let the surroundings get the best of him. There's a deep teaching in the evidence of what could be outpacing the the reality of what is and how that can affect us. But that's not what I'm supposed to share today. Today, look at verses 31 and 32 and understand that they walked back.

Jesus scolded Peter after He rescued him not for having little faith, but for having doubt. Then, they went back to the ship. The Word doesn't record where Jesus flew across the water with Peter. It doesn't say that they were translated from one position to another. All we have as a record was Jesus walking across the water, Peter going out to meet Him and then they returned to the ship.

I think what the Holy Spirit is trying to get us to see today are two subtle but important points. Jesus didn't chastise Peter for having little faith, but for having doubt. We learned in other lessons in the Word that great things can happen with only the faith the size of a mustard seed.

It's not the quantity of faith, but the purity of it.

Also, they walked back. The very thing that Peter asked for happened. He walked on the water with Jesus. He walked through the storm back to safety with the Savior right there with him throughout. And when they got to their destination, the wind ceased (v. 32). Your doubt doesn't negate God's ability, but it can affect the nature of the relationship. But, being available still counts.

Dear ones, I know how it goes. Sometimes you feel like the ultimate warrior for Christ. You get up and you're ready for whatever comes your way. Your helmet and shield are shiny and your sword is so sharp you can hear it cut the air. And some days you get up and you just want to crawl under the bed and hide because you just don't think you can muster up the courage to face the day. Yep, I know those extremes. But, most importantly, so does the Savior.

Jesus isn't bothered if all we have is a little faith to get through. He just wants us to understand that we shouldn't doubt. Give all you have to the Savior, even if it is only a little bit. He made wine out of water, salvation out of complete loss...He can see you through your challenge if you just have faith...even just a little bit of faith.

So, don't beat yourself up when you don't have the strength to put on the full armor. Just remember to give God all that you have available that day. He will not only work with that small faith, but you'll end up exactly where you're suppose to if you just give Him what you have.

After all, this is the same great God who spoke into darkness and created light. Just imagine what He can do with a yielded spirit and a little bit of faith.

Genesis 1:2-4

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.


Peace and Faith.

-Sis. Stephanie Robinson

Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.

Feel free to share this message. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com

Fellowship Church

455 HWY 138 Suite C

Jonesboro, GA 30238

Alton Watkins, Pastor

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