Today's Thoughts
Twice this week I have heard the story of Peter trying to walk on water to Jesus. (Matthew 14:22-31)Is God trying to tell me something? Here's a few snip-its on the subject.
In the Jewish faith there were high priests. Everyone wanted to be a high priest but only the best of the best were chosen. If you were chosen then your goal was to be and do everything that the priest did. You wanted to be just like them.
Jesus was Peter's high priest. Peter wanted to be just like Jesus. He wanted to do everything that Jesus did. So when he saw Jesus walking on the water naturally he jumped out of the boat and walked on water too. Only he saw where he was and what he was doing and lost faith.
So was Peter lacking faith in Jesus' power to sustain him? Or was he lacking faith in his own ability to follow Jesus? Who should we place our faith in, ourselves or Jesus? What made him take his eye's off Jesus?
Here's a related story. A pastor is preaching on tithing and a man says he hasn't got enough money to tithe. The pastor says, "You tithe regularly all month and at the end of the month whatever bills you can't pay I'll pay for you." The man was overjoyed and said, "You would do that for me? That's great!" The pastor says, "Wow, I can't believe you have faith that I'll do this for you but not that God would."
I thought about all this. I made a list of specifically where in my life I lacked faith. I thought it would be a short list. I was surprised. Most of all, I was surprised to find that in all areas where I lacked faith great blessings were just beyond my reach. If only I could move toward them. But I couldn't move because I was/am too scared of what might happen if I do. I lack the faith to move in areas that I would be totally dependent on God even when I know it is what God wants me to do.
I recently got a new poetry book. Oh no, not poetry! Booooooring! I'll only quote one verse, I promise.
This book is written
For those wishing
To know someone special
While seeking the greater challenge
To know themselves
By Javan, Something to Someone, a book of verse of love and relationships
