THEME:
The Apostle Peter had every reason to play it safe and stay in the boat. The wind was howling. The waves were fierce. It was dark, and the others thought they were seeing a ghost. But he knew it was Jesus, and he trusted the Lord enough to start walking. Though Jesus finally needed to reach down and save him, Peter wound up with a deeper understanding of who Jesus really is and the power he brings to any situation. When it comes to living a life of generosity, one important way to fall more deeply in love with Christ, and allow him to grow and change you, is to practice sacrificial tithing. Maybe, like Peter, it’s time for you to take a giant step of faith!
KEY SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 14:22-33
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
There will always be a reason for you to avoid stepping out in faith
Matthew 14:26-31
But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Faith is rewarded when you keep your eyes on Jesus
Matthew 14:28
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
Matthew 14:31b
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Matthew 14:33
And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Your step of faith will reveal the true power and identity of Jesus
Malachi 3:10
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.