Walking on the water

Walking on the water requires faith.

When we walk down the corridor of faith in Hebrews chapter
11, we see some outstanding characters outperforming the elements. It is
evidently clear that what set them apart is faith.

When Peter stepped out of his boat onto the waters of
Galilee, we see a great man of faith in the making. I have heard numerous people
attack Peter's character saying that he lacked faith, however, I would like to
see them walk on water. Peter walked on water, even if it was only for a few
seconds. The moment he took his eyes off Jesus, he sunk. This story provides us
with some insight into what faith is all about. Jesus' comment to the sunken
man was, "O ye of little faith. Why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:31.

One of the greatest downfalls of many of us is that we doubt.
It is often not that we actually lack faith, but rather, that we doubt our God
given abilities and the fullness of His power and might to use them in us.

Isaiah tells us of the wonder of God's intentions for us,
and the shortsightedness of humankind in Isaiah 59:1. "Behold, the Lord's
hand is not shortened, that is cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it
cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and
your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear". The moment we
become distracted through doubt, shifting our focus from Jesus' saving power,
we begin to sink.

It is possible to walk on water.

Even in the most troubled times, it is possible to walk on
turbulent waters. Walking on the water means that we are able to rise to the
surface of troubles. We are able stand in the day of tribulation and say we
still love God. Walking on the water means moving the mountains in our way and
casting them into the sea. The opposite of doubting is believing, and when we
believe we can (Philippians 4:13), it shall be done. There is, however, a
process we must go through first. We must develop our faith.

Evidence of faithfulness

In order to gain a living faith, we must first display the
evidence of faithfulness. The evidence of faithfulness is revealed in what
we do. Just as the good and faithful servant was prepared to follow simple
instructions, and trusted that those instructions were for his benefit as well
as to please his master, so should we. Being faithful can be difficult,
especially when we do not trust the source nor understand the purpose. The areas
God calls us to be faithful are the practical day to day areas like finances,
relationships, sexual relations, entertainment, language, alcohol, giving,
fasting, prayer, loving, dependence, reading God's Word, and abiding by the
law. To name just a few! Faithfulness to God in the 'issues of life'.

It is impossible to gain an understanding of faith if we do
not practice it. If we are able to display faithfulness in small matters on a
daily basis, then we will be able to move on into the greater areas of faith.
How are we able to manage great wealth if we are not practicing faithfulness in
managing small wealth?! I have heard so many people say that if only they could
earn more, then they would be able to give more to God. This is the greatest
cop-out I have ever heard. Give the most of what little you have, follow the
Bible example of the widow, then you will be able to have greater opportunity to
give more. Just GIVE!!!

Hearing

As a leader, it is of vital importance to hear God's voice.
Without this, we will become self driven. On hearing God's voice, we should
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him" Psalm 37:7. It is so easy to
make decisions quickly and rush off onto all sorts of plans without consulting
the right people, and considering carefully the consequences of our actions. By
resting in the Lord, we are able to listen to His voice of guidance, the counsel
of the Holy Spirit. Deliberately slow down the decision making process to enable
God's quiet will to be heard within our hearts. We are confronted with so many
factors that influence our decision-making process that we often become
confused. Our challenge is to develop a sound system of mental agility and
discipline that will allows God uninhibited access into our minds. This is
achieved through quiet times, meditation, solace and prayer. In these quiet
hours with God, try to disconnect from the current 'noise' and distractions
and focus on worship, and resting in Him. As we set our minds on God, not
conforming to this world, our minds are renewed and our thought patterns
revolutionized.

Commitment

Commitment starts with the submission of our self-driven
ideals to God's wonderful plan for our lives. Without this conversion, there
will be no commitment. Commitment results in the ability to rise to every
occasion, whether it be good or hard. By committing our ways to Him, we are not
just writing a list and asking for a blessing. We are seeking God's will, and
asking God to provide strength for us to meet the challenges. The steps of a
good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in His way. Though he fall,
he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand"
Psalm 37:23. Commitment is a result of knowing that the path is fail-safe, as
long as we keep our eyes upon Christ.

Confidence, substance, character

We will all be challenged by trials and tribulations during
our life-times. Why some people seem to suffer more than others is a mystery to
me. However, I do know that most suffering in this world is not caused by God.
It is the result of the evil of humankind, and our greed for money and wealth.
The human heart (and mind) is indeed deceitful above all things.

In order to overcome trials and tribulations, we are called
to "steadfastly set our eyes upon Jerusalem", as Jesus did. We are to know
what the goal is and to head for it. In order to develop character, trials are
necessary. Know that God will not let you be destroyed. That is not His will. It
is not God's will that we live in poverty. God wishes us to be wealthy in
every sense of the word. We may suffer for a little while, but there is always
light at the end of every tunnel. The only tunnel the lacks hope and light is
hell. Remember that while we live, we still have a chance. Consider all the hard
times to be opportunities to get it right with the Lord and other people. Do it
while there is still time!!

Strong leaders must not doubt or fear.

Peter was scolded by Jesus when he sank into the water, "Oh
you of little faith, why did you doubt" Matthew 14:31. Endurance is key to
developing strong character, as displayed by Moses, who, "Endured, as seeing
Him who is invisible" Hebrews 11:27. "..the trial of your faith being mush
more precious than gold, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto
praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" 1 Peter 1:7.

God bless you as you attempt to walk on the water. You can do
it. Sometimes you will sink, but Jesus will lift you up. Do not think that His
standards are too high, He tailor makes them for each of His children. Did you
know our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to succeed? God's standards are
there so that we may live. Without His standards of holiness, we can never see
Him, and so He offers us 'the power to be called the sons of God". It is my
desire to see people lift themselves to the challenge and make a difference, not
only in their lives, but also in the lives of others.

Keep walking on water!!