Don't fear failing (3)

The Bible says, 'Peter replied, "Lord, if it really is you, tell me to come to you on the water." "Come on!" Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him. But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. At once, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up' (Matthew 14:28-31 CEV).

When we know we've prayed, prepared and planned, we must step out and do it. It's normal to experience fear when trying something new. Maybe we've read the story of Peter's attempt to walk on the water and thought that he'd failed. That's not so.

First, Peter gets an 'A' for being willing to leave his safety zone and do what he had never done before. Second, he experienced the exhilaration of walking on water for a moment. Third, he learned a valuable lesson: focusing on Jesus rather than the circumstances is essential when attempting the impossible. Fourth, he recognised that his survival depended completely on Jesus. 'He was afraid and started sinking. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. At once, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said... "Why do you doubt"' (Matthew 14:30-31 CEV)? Jesus didn't condemn Peter for failing, he just told him he needed to develop greater faith.



So what now? God won't let you drown in your mistakes. Keep trusting him, and he'll keep working with you until you succeed. He's your heavenly Father, and your success is his success!





— SCRIPTURE —

'Peter...walked on the water...towards Jesus.' Matthew 14:29 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Deut 8-10, Matt 12:22-37, Ps 78:9-16 , Pro 16:25