Faith to walk on the storm waters in your life

²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Matthew 14:27-30. NIV

“Take courage” - 2293 /tharséō ("emboldened to show courage") refers to God bolstering the believer, empowering them with a bold inner-attitude (to be "of good courage” – a warming of the inside.) HELPS word studies. Bible Hub

How does faith grow in you when you are in the middle of a storm?  Maybe your storm is the culmination of a lifetime of seemingly wrong decisions or negative events.  Maybe your storm is the constant barrage of health struggles, lack of finances, loneliness, depression that you can’t wade out from underneath.  You probable agree all too often with Jesus- “in this world you will have troubles”.  These struggles can be so overwhelming that they narrow you vision so that you remained focus on the next wave that you see approaching.  Some have felt that their lot in life will only be managing the effects of wave after wave.

As a believer you have the wonderful gift of ears to hear Jesus voice, even in the middle of your storm.  Jesus said that his sheep hear his voice and follow him.  He is saying the same thing to you that he said to Peter on that night.  “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 

The root meaning of “take courage” means a warming on the inside.  As you hear Jesus voice, you begin to sense something.  It is called hope.  As you acknowledge that seed of hope, boldness takes root in the foundation that Jesus is now present in your situation.  Responding to his voice allows the aroma of faith to fill your mind, like the smell of freshly made coffee filling the home.

Faith was rising in Peter, but he still needed to know if it was truly Jesus.  “If it is you” is a question of faith not doubt.  Discerning his voice is of upmost importance in our walk of faith.  Some of you already know that Jesus is asking you to follow him onto the waves.  Be settled and know that if he says “Come” then you should go.  Speak it aloud.  “I trust you, Jesus, with my life”.

Every step of faith is like walking on water.  Trusting God for the outcome allows for no crutches.  Believing that you have made a step toward him means you have left the safety of the boat.  Trusting God means that you believe his way is more secure that your own way of thinking.  Believing God means that you can no longer remain idle trying to decide, you must move in the direction of his leading.  Trusting God means releasing the grasp of your fingers on what is familiar and taking hold of the warmth of his loving hand.  Believing God looks like an entirely poor decision from the world’s perspective, yet it will inspire others to follow in your steps.  Trusting God is like walking on an icy river it only has to be thick enough to carry you not dense enough to require no faith.

“Take courage.”  Let hope arise for your life in which Jesus is moving.  He is speaking to you about your present, your future, your family, your vocation, your finances, your today and your tomorrow.  He has great plans for you which include faith that he is with you in your next step.  His word is a lamp unto your feet.  Trust him today to be so secure that he will lead you at the pace that is right to fulfill his purpose in and through your life.