Devotionals

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When You’re Still In the Boat

Matthew 14:29-30
He said, "Come ahead." Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!"

The scripture doesn’t tell us what the other disciples might have thought or said to Peter about his decision to water-walk, but from one mortal being to another, what do you think the other disciples might’ve thought? What would you have thought if you’d been in that particular boat?

Truth is we have all been in that boat at sometime or another! Imagine if you will, your with your band of brothers and sisters suddenly one decides he/she has heard from God and steps out on faith. We don’t always understand the decisions made by others, especially when it comes to this faith thing.

Perhaps you were the one to point out the financial reasons why they shouldn’t leave the boat, or maybe you’re the one letting them know what everyone will think. Maybe you are the one simply questioning if they are sure it was the voice of God they heard.

When you hear the voice of God and make the decision to follow, many will not understand, I promise you this! Many will question your sanity along with your ability to actually hear God’s voice. This is a given, there will always be those second guessing, nevertheless when we hear the voice of God we must respond.

When we stand before God and have to answer for our life, we will have to answer for our life and the decisions we made, as will each person that was in the boat! When God ask you why you didn’t heed His call, letting him know the band of brothers and sisters in your boat didn’t think it was such a great idea to step out on faith, will not get you very far!

But today I speak to those that may still be in the boat and you have just watched your comrade climb over the side testing their water-walking ability, I urge you to be prayerful. Many people believe they know God’s will for someone else’s life, and it is no more than their own ideas or agendas. You see the disciples could’ve dragged Peter back in and hog-tied him to the rail, but then Peter would have missed an experience with Jesus! There will be times when God speaks directly to you to speak to a brother or sister about what they are getting ready to do, but just as Peter knew the voice of God, you too must know the voice of God before sharing your thoughts.

If we see our brother or sister take on water-walking, and we watch them lose focus and begin to sink, it is not a time to point fingers or say I told you so, it is then that the band pools together and prays like never before, because there will be another opportunity for someone in the boat to heed the call, and it might just be you the next time.

Jesus, Lord of Lords and King of Kings! We are so thankful that you love us enough to be with us, whether we are in the boat or testing our water-walking ability! Sometimes we watch others climb out of the boat and we don’t understand them giving up everything to follow you, and yet we know we must surrender all! Lord we ask today that you give us wisdom to stand in faith with our brothers and sisters when they have heard your call. Help us not to fear their faith, or to ridicule their decisions, but to love & pray for them, and Lord help us to hear your voice for our own lives! Help us to cast aside fear and rely on your love, so that when you call us from the boat, we will not be paralyzed by those who do not understand, or our own fear of letting go of ourselves. We want to be ready when you call!

In Jesus name we pray, AMEN

© Jounda LaMance November 13, 2006

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