How to walk on water when your faith is tested

How to walk on water when your faith is tested

Everyone faces storms in life. It is not a question of "if," but only a question of "when" you will encounter your next storm. The other unknown is the severity of the next storm you will face.

Some disturbances are like a loud thunderstorm resulting in little damage, while others are like a massive hurricane leaving tremendous devastation in its wake. Pastor Warren Wiersbe (1929-2019) said, "Life's trials are not easy. But in God's will, each has a purpose. Often He uses them to enlarge you."

Case in point: Jesus tested the faith of His disciples one time while they were out in a boat "during the fourth watch of the night" (3am - 6am). Jesus had "gone up into the hills by Himself to pray," while the disciples were "already a considerable distance from land and being buffeted by the waves ... Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified" (Matthew 14:23-26).

It was the middle of the night, which is typically when fears are magnified by strange sights and sounds that seemingly come out of nowhere. Children sometimes experience "night terrors," similar to nightmares experienced by adults. Martin Luther held the opinion that nightmares come from demons, and I agree with him. The best way to prevent nightmares is to ask God to apply the blood of Jesus to your sleep, or the sleep of your child. "There is power in the blood," as the old hymn reminds us.

Back to our story. In the midst of their panic, the disciples "cried out in fear," saying, "It's a ghost" (v. 26). Try to put yourself in their shoes. How would you have felt? In response to their intense fear, "Jesus immediately said to them, 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid'" (v. 27).

This story reveals the compassionate nature of our Savior. He instantly wanted to comfort His followers in the midst of their distress. You see, Jesus derives no pleasure from His children being afraid. But the Lord is happy and greatly pleased when we are "strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:9) and stand firm in faith in the midst of the storm.


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