Friday, June 17, 2011

The Patience of God-6/17/2011

And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, " You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Matt 14:29-31

Jesus had just fed the five thousand plus. He then sent his apostles away to cross the Sea of Galilee while he took some time to himself to pray. Just as Jesus needed time away from the rigors of his mission to spend time with the Father, we likewise are sequestered from our day to day responsibilities to enjoy the Family Gospel Cruise and focus on communing with our Lord.

Soon, the apostles found themselves enduring yet another storm. You'll recall in yesterday's lesson, Jesus was with them on the ship asleep. This time, he walked on the water through the storm to get to them. It is clear that he is the master of creation but more to the point, he is the master over our storms. One might ask why he allows us to go through storms at all. Should you ask that question, ask also if you have not come out of every storm better than when you went in.

Since the last storm, Peter had grown in his faith enough to be convinced that if Jesus would call him, he would be able to walk on the waves as well. Jesus called him and he did just that. The bible says, however, that once he took his eyes off Jesus, the storm began to consume him.

Beloved, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. As long as we continue to focus on him, we can walk on our storms until we, as the apostles were, are delivered. Jesus saved Peter and by calming the sea, he not only also saved the apostles, he them to be at their destination immediately.

Despite our doubts, fears, concerns and worries, our God is patient with us and if we are willing, He saves.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

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