FAITH CAPSULE: Deny fear to engage faith.
Matthew 14:22-33
Anticipation of the possibility that something hostile will happen is a way of describing fear. Fear is a deadly weapon of the devil. Fear does not discriminate and it will strike regardless of man’s title or age. Fear will always take the center stage in man’s life when faith is off the stage. Knowing the devil as a deceptive one, fear often sneaks into man by the way of concern or anxiety. The Bible warned, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) David testified, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) David could not run where he needed to walk because he knew his God. Those who know their God operates with understand that the word and the hand of God is failure impossibility over their life. Do you know your God to trust Him not to run where you are to walk? The word of God admonished us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Are you living life in anxiousness or in the abundance of God’s word which Jesus made available for us?
Once during the late hour of the day and in the middle of the water, a storm took over the journey of life for the disciples. Jesus’ disciples were on the journey to the other side of the sea when the storm took over. While they were being tossed around by the wave, Jesus showed up to rescue them. It is written, “Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear.” (Matthew 14:25-26) By virtue of fear, Peter must have requested for deliverance when he asked Jesus to command him to walk on the water. Jesus responded to Peter’s request by commanding him to come. The Bible records, “…and when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ (Matthew 14:29-30) Peter, in his obedience to walk a difficult walk (walking on water), took his eyes away from Jesus as he gave his attention to the troubling storm and fear took charge while faith was discharged. Deny fear to engage faith.
Prayer for today: In You O Lord, I put my trust; let me not be a victim of fear.