Is God Listening to My Prayers?
Prayer that the Father hears is directed to him in faith with an unselfish attitude, seeking to bless and honor God’s will because of our love for the Father. In Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “Morte D’Authur,” he pens the famous line: More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. Wherefore let thy voice rise like a fountain for me night and day. Most professing religions believe in prayer. The difficulty lies in knowing how to pray and to whom. The Christian world certainly believes that the LORD God answers prayers, though some may seek him through emissaries, “special saints,” or the Virgin Mary. Yet, even in Christian prayers, many have difficulty finding solid ground for what may be appropriate to request. Nevertheless, many still pray. Examples of prayer in both the Old and New Testaments give clear guidance to those who study them. The prime requirements are faith in the Father, unselfishness on the part of the one who prays, and a love for God and his will. Jesus promised: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened (Matthew 7:7-8). Radio, online, and TV evangelists have sometimes promised great wealth and financial success to those who have the faith to pray while also requesting a little contribution for the evangelist. They have led their followers to pray for things that directly conflict with God’s Word. However, these kinds of promises have prompted many guarantees from interpreters that are unhelpful. However, some of these guarantees are couched in unscriptural terms and targets. Jesus’ half-brother, James, warned: When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?(James 4:3-4) Selfish, greedy, and wrongly-motivated prayer is not answered! This principle about wrongly-motivated prayer does not mean that we should quit praying for God to heal a sick loved one or friend. Though such prayer might appear to be selfishly motivated, God sees these prayers as loving intercession. He wants us to pray for others to be healed, forgiven, and blessed (James 5:14-15). Unselfish prayer does not exclude one’s praying about ourselves (Matthew 6:9-13; James 5:13). Jesus himself prayed in the Garden shortly before his death: Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible, the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:35-36). Jesus did pray for personal relief from the ordeal he was about to face. However, notice his attitude – that characteristic by which God judges all of a person’s life. Jesus’ motive in praying was made clear by the phrase which Jesus attaches to his plea: “Yet not what I will, but what you will.” While Jesus sought relief, he sought it within the will of God to fulfill the will of God because of his love for God. That is still the fundamental block on which to build one’s prayer life, as Paul’s famous promise of God’s work for good in our lives indicates: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 – Underline added for connection and emphasis.) Finally, for our prayers to be effective, they must be offered with the unwavering belief that God does hear and answer our prayers. James writes and warns us: But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do (James 1:6-8). Prayer that the Father hears is directed to him in faith with an unselfish attitude, seeking to bless and honor God’s will because of our love for the Father. It sounds simple, and it should be. Jesus made that clear in his model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). However, for those of us who feel our faith is small, we need to remember another promise of Jesus about prayer: Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:19-20). About the author: Bill is a long time minister in Nacogdoches, Texas who loves world missions. His passion for ministry has led him all over the world. In addition to his work as a minister, he is also a licensed professional counselor. Bill’s family is also involved in ministry and service to the world and community.
Because We Are Human
What is the purpose of God sending Jesus? Because we are human we cannot understand the things that happen in life. We do not understand why young people die. We cannot understand why good people suffer. We cannot understand why hurricanes destroy neighborhoods, why tornadoes blow away homes, and floods wash away dreams. We cannot understand why diseases shorten lives. Because we are human we struggle to make sense of the twists and turns, the ups and downs, and the ins and outs of life. Because we are human we cannot see the future. We do not know what lies ahead. We do not always understand or learn from the past. We see only a part of the picture. We often only hear what we want to hear. We forget that God has plans for us. Because we are human we cannot see God’s wisdom for taking us down a path filled with struggle, pain, and disappointment. We cannot imagine the blessings that God has in store for us when we trust Him to lead us. Because we are human we try to explain why God does what He does when He does and how He does it. We try, but we cannot explain it. Because we are human we complicate things that were intended to be simple. We complicate life, we complicate worship, and we complicate relationships. We complicate forgiveness, we complicate faith, and we complicate grace. Because we are human we cannot make ourselves holy. We cannot remove the sin in our life. We cannot get life right no matter how we try. We cannot do everything exactly right all the time. When we mess up we cannot make it right. Because we are human we cannot see God clearly. We are blinded by our sin. We are blinded by our lack of imagination. We are blinded by our determination to make God look like us. Because we are human we cannot fathom God’s love. We cannot imagine why God would want to rescue us from our sin. We cannot understand how God could love us. We cannot grasp a God who would love us so much that He would sacrifice His Son for our sins. Because we are human God sent His Son to dwell among us: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14 ESV). Because we are human God gave His one and only Son: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Because we are human God is preparing a place for us: [Jesus said] Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going (John 14:1-4). Because we are human God understands our need for a Savior. Because we are human … Jesus. About the author: Tom Norvell is the author of “A Norvell Note” — Thoughts and reflections on God, life, people, and living as a follower of Jesus. He has ministered with followers of Jesus for four decades and loves Jesus, his family, and those seeking Jesus, passionately.
When You Need Wisdom
With all the crazy stuff going on, how am I supposed to know what to do? If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind (James 1:5-6 NLT) Father, give me wisdom as I begin this new day. Help me to use my time, the time You have allotted me, wisely, not wastefully. Father, give me wisdom as I write these words. Please put words into my mind and allow them to flow into thoughts that are good news to the poor, that announce pardon to the imprisoned, recovery of sight to the blind, words that set the burdened and battered free, and words that announce, “This is God’s year to act!” (Luke 4:18-19 MSG). Father, give me wisdom so that when I speak I will say things that are pure and clean and words that help and give life to those who listen. Father, give me wisdom to lead my family in ways that help them walk closer to You. Give me wisdom to be the husband that honors my wife and allows her to be respectful of me. Give me wisdom to be the father that understands my children and helps to give them the confidence they need to fulfill the dreams You have placed in their hearts. Give me wisdom to love my daughter-in-law so she can have peace in her heart as a wife and a mother. Give me wisdom to love and protect my granddaughter so that she will grow strong and feel Your presence every day of her life. Give me wisdom to share the wisdom You give me with these special people so that they can be the people You want them to be. Father, give me wisdom to counsel people who come to me for help. Give me the wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent, when to be bold and when to be gentle, when to instruct and when to listen. Father, give me the wisdom to know when to be angry, when to be sad, when to laugh, and when to cry. Give me the wisdom to know that forgiveness is always the right move. Give me the wisdom to always accept Your forgiveness and to realize I am worthless without it. Give me wisdom to depend on You as if my life depended on it, and the wisdom to realize that it does. Father, give me wisdom to lead others in their walk with You. Give me the wisdom to preach and teach in ways that illustrate Your great and amazing love for us, and the wisdom to help others understand the living sacrifice that is appropriate and brings You pleasure. Give me the wisdom to live the words that I proclaim. Father, give me wisdom to realize that when I ask for wisdom with confidence You will give it. And that unless I receive wisdom that comes from You I have no words worth hearing, no life worth imitating, and no wisdom worth sharing. Father, there is no wondering “if” I need wisdom. I need wisdom. I need YOUR wisdom. Father, please give me wisdom. About the author: Tom Norvell is the author of “A Norvell Note” — Thoughts and reflections on God, life, people, and living as a follower of Jesus. He has ministered with followers of Jesus for four decades and loves Jesus, his family, and those seeking Jesus, passionately.
Broken: But NOT Forever!
Why did this brokenness, this pain, this shattering, come upon us if it is not God’s intention for us? We don’t have to look far in our world today to know that something is broken. The headlines, news teasers, social media posts, and our broken hearts shout from our pain: “Something’s wrong, deeply flawed, and irreparably broken with our world!” The following lyrics from long ago captured the emotions of our pain and frustration well: ShatteredLike a windowpaneBroken by a stoneEach tiny piece of me lies aloneAnd scatteredFar beyond repairAll my shiny dreamsJust lying there [NOTE] Our world, our bodies, and our hearts all get broken in the process of life. But, why? Why would a loving God allow our world to become so broken and his people to be so fragile? Why would a loving God create our world in a way that it is so broken and our hearts so breakable? Why did this brokenness, this pain, this shattering, come upon us if it is not God’s intention for us? James Nored reminds us in today’s video that the world we have now is NOT what God intended, and it is NOT the world that our Father’s children will inherit: If you can’t see the video, and you sure don’t want to miss it, view it online. For additional ideas to consider and some things to discuss with others, we encourage you to look at the Study Guide. The “Story of Redemption” reminds us that God’s children will inherit a better world. In fact, that better world depends upon the full adoption of God’s children when Jesus returns. In this glorious moment, both God’s children and our broken world will be made new. The apostle Paul said it this way: I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. (Romans 8:18-21). If creation waits in eager expectation, shouldn’t we? Paul didn’t utter these words in the protective cocoon of religious safety or naïveté. In fact, as he awaited his own execution at the hands of a combination of murderous religious hate and political power, Paul reiterated a similar hope. In the face of death, he held this expectation with deep conviction and longing. The old and imprisoned apostle trusted that a time was coming when all the mess of our world, along with all of our pain, would end; both we, along with our broken world, would be reborn into our promised and glorious future in Jesus: As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing (2 Timothy 4:8 NLT). Our redemption, our world’s redemption, is coming with our Redeemer, Jesus. A new future awaits. Yes, our worlds and our hearts are broken and shattered, but not irreparably because of the redemption that is ours in Jesus. What excites you about this hope? What do you long for most in this redemption of all things? Jesus is the goal of our journey. We hope you will continue the journey with us as we keep asking questions and looking for answers that lead us closer to the Creator’s destination for all of us. We want you to join us in finding our story caught up in God’s glorious “Story of Redemption”! Until next time, let’s stay the course and keep seeking lasting truth about God, life, and the meaning of our journey! [NOTE] Lyrics by Jimmy Webb lyrics, and sung by Linda Ronstadt. I share this link to help you hear Linda’s beautiful voice before Parkinson’s disease stole it from her. Our own bodies’ decay and vulnerability to diseases are poignantly and tragically illustrated in Linda’s life. Our prayers are with her and all who battle the fragility of their being with the determination of their wills and the faith in their hearts. About the author: In this series, James Nored and Phil Ware partner two pioneering ministries providing resources to reach coming generations. James is a minister, Executive Director of Next Generation for Christ, and author of the Story of Redemption Film Series, filmed in the Israel, U.S., and around the world. This series is designed to lead seekers to faith and strengthen the faith of believers. Divided into 5-6 minute video segments, it is great to use with social media, small groups, sermon series, families, and friends. Phil is President of Heartlight, Inc., a preacher for 40 years, author of five books along with hundreds of articles & 11 years of daily devotionals, coach for churches in transition, and a resource for missionary renewal. Phil’s verseoftheday.com devotionals are read by hundreds of thousands every day.
Light for the Dark Places
What’s shining in that darkness? People talk about being in “dark places” of discouragement, hopelessness, or impasse in their lives. It is not uncommon to read or hear the language of “dark places” for our children, our culture, or our world. In both ancient and modern literature, the metaphor of darkness for human error and its penalties is common. Maybe that is why the person and nature of God are described as light. “God is light and in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5 NIV). One biblical writer even calls him “the Father of lights” and declares not only that there is no darkness in God or his actions but not even a “shadow” (James 1:17). It should come as no surprise to anyone that the biblical narrative describes God’s entry into flesh this way: Light has come to shine into all the world’s dark places. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it (John 1:5). “I am the light of the world,” Jesus said.”Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). In view of all this, who could possibly misunderstand the challenge Jesus gave his disciples in the Sermon on the Mount? Be lights in your world. Be like candles on a stand. Be shining cities on high hills. Be blessings to everyone. But, some of us have missed his point and have done incredible harm in his name. The call to be lights in the world isn’t a militaristic call. It isn’t a challenge to form a political party or movement for lobbying political parties. People who have gone that route have given unbelievers cause to indict all Christians as unkind, judgmental, and merciless. They see a strident and angry activism that makes them reject Jesus on account of the ugly behaviors of people who profess to represent him. Light tends to be gentle, appealing, and positive in its presence. It clarifies the landscape and makes life possible. Even if it makes us flinch and shield our eyes at first, God’s light typically doesn’t come with the blast of a nuclear bomb. Think about it. Do you think the world needs more caustic critics or helping hands? More dark judgments and predictions or persons who model the light and blessing of God’s presence? His encouragement? His grace? The story is that there was a shortage of hard currency in the British Empire during Oliver Cromwell’s reign. Government agents searched for a supply of silver to meet the need. “We have searched in vain for silver that can be minted into coin,” began the report. “To our dismay, we have found none – except in our country’s cathedrals where the statues of the saints are made of choice silver.” “Then let’s melt down the saints,” Cromwell said, “and put them into circulation.” In a world that needs light in its dark places, that’s still a good idea. Editor’s Note: Over the next several days, Ben Steed will be sharing from his trip to Ecuador with Compassion International. This is a very clear way that Jesus’ followers are being light in dark places. Get a taste of just how bright the light can shine by looking at some of the special stories already shared! (Check out Compassion.com for these stories.) I hope you will read with interest and look for ideas on how you can be light, just as Rubel urges us to be in today’s article! -Phil About the author: Rubel Shelly preached for decades, been a professor of medical ethics, Bible, and philosophy at multiple universities and a med school. He is currently Professor of Philosophy & Religion at Lipscomb University. He is the author of more than 30 books and hundreds of inspirational articles.
Remember Grace
As much as I like to think my memory is strong and full of detail, there is so much that has slipped away. I wish I was better at documenting my life. As much as I like to think my memory is strong and full of detail, there is so much that has slipped away. There are many solutions to this problem; some people are journal writers and have years of memorable moments locked away safely in the pages of their diary. Others choose to take lots of pictures and have boxes of old photos that chronicle special events. And still others have turned to blogging as a source of remembrance. These methods are diverse in nature, but the goal is inherently the same. We all strive to tell our story. We long for opportunities to relive the moments of our lives and without a record these moments are lost forever. Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples which are not recorded in this book (John 20:30). Ever wonder how many miracles of Jesus are unknown to the world? How many blind were given sight by His loving touch? How many of the dead were brought back to life? The stories of Jesus’ life here on earth are precious to us because, for believers, it gives a glimpse of what is to come. The unconditional love combined with boundless mercy and infinite power set the stage for the most beautiful collection of stories. If only the disciples had a better memory. Perhaps they could have added more stories to the book, but now it’s too late. These stories have fallen into the past. But wait, look what the next verse says: But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (John 20:31). We will never know the details of every miracle performed by Jesus, but we can still tell our story. The miracles of Jesus are alive and with us today. Everyone that accepts “Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name,” has taken part in a miracle. I’ll continue to lose certain memories over the years, but I will never forget the miracle of God’s grace. The proof is documented in my heart and written in the journal of my mind. God’s miracle of grace is new each day. If you would like to learn how to accept this grace and start your own story, please visit our website at www.hopeforlife.org or contact me at skye@hopeforlife.org. (Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org) About the author: Skye is Response Coordinator for Herald of Truth and writes for HopeForLife. You can reach him at (866) 814-4673 or (866) 814-HOPE or by writing to skye@hopeforlife.org.
Last Man to Surrender
When is it time to surrender? Lt. Hiroo Onada was left on the Island of Lubang in the Philippines on Christmas Day, 1944. He was 22 years old. His standing orders were to “carry on the mission even if Japan surrenders.” As Japan evacuated the island, Onada and three other Japanese soldiers remained behind. One of the four surrendered in 1950. Another was killed in a skirmish with local police in 1954. Another was killed in 1972. Over the years, Lt. Onada lived off the land and raided the fields and gardens of the local citizens. He killed at least thirty nationals during his twenty-nine year personal war. He ignored the leaflets that were dropped and the command given over loudspeakers announcing that Japan and the United States had become allies. At one point, more than 13,000 men were used to try to locate him and convince him to surrender. The cost of that effort was more than half a million dollars. Finally, on March 10, 1974, after more than 29 years, he surrendered a rusty sword to his former superior officer who read a cease-fire order. He was the last man to surrender from World War II. When you think about it, all of us have some battles that we fight. The battle of good vs. evil rages every day around us and in us. We want for good to win and for the evil in our world to lessen. We fight battles over time, priorities, and managing our own lives and families. Sometimes we battle those closest to us with weapons of angry words or unspoken resentments. For some, illness is the battle that consumes our lives. There are battles everywhere. There are some fights we can’t avoid. There are some that are worth fighting. Some aren’t. The key for us is to recognize which is which. Do you need to surrender? You’ve probably heard the old saying that you can “win the battle and lose the war.” The prematurely aged 52-year-old Lt. Hiroo was quoted as saying, “Nothing pleasant happened in 29 years in the jungle.” His battle cost him much more than we can imagine. One thing of which I’m confident, our war has already been won. Jesus made sure of that at Calvary and the empty tomb. The sting of sin is death. The power of death is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:56-57)
Does God Have Faith in Me?
Does God have faith in you? In he walked, a sauntering stride, smirk on his face, attitude of disdain for those around him and with utter disregard for the protocols of the realm, until he stood looking in the face of the great King. “What have you been doing?” asks the Ruler. “Oh, just walking around,” was the flippant response and then under his breath “getting people to follow me and not just you.” Then with confidence of faith and knowing all along what the usurper was attempting to do, the Master of His World offered, “Have you considered My servant Job?” It’s an old, old story noted in the first chapter of the Old Testament book of Job. Some scholars think it is actually that, a story, a morality play, while others claim it happened just as described. The take-aways, lessons to be gleaned from the story of Job fill books and commentaries. Yet there is one aspect that is astounding and not always discussed. Why did God even suggest to the devil that he might try to dominate Job? Why would God purposely tell Satan to try his best to turn Job away from God and turn him into a follower of evil? Many claim this was a test of Job’s faith, which God wanted to see if Job was truly a faithful follower of the Almighty. Yet couldn’t it be a test of God’s faith in Job? From the verses in that first chapter it appears that God is confident that Job is a “blameless and upright man, who fears God and shuns evil” (verse 8). Even after Satan is allowed to inflict economical, physical and emotional horrors, God remains undeterred in His unwavering confidence in Job. That faith in His followers is not unique to Job. The writer of Hebrews lists some of those whose faith in God reflected His faith in them: Abel, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, and others (Hebrews 13). So ultimately the question that must be asked is: Does God have faith in me as He did in Job? And in spite of my incalculable shortcomings and failures, the answer must be yes! That answer is found in the writings of the apostle John in his first letter: And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son does not have life. These things I have written that you may know that you have eternal life and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God” (I John 5:11-13). Now the question is, does the Great God Almighty have faith in you? Would he suggest to Satan: “Have you considered my servant _________?” Let’s talk about it, join the discussion on my blog at www.hopeforlife.org. (Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org) About the author: Bill Brant is the President and CEO of Herald of Truth Ministries based in Abilene, Texas.
Sometimes I Just Like to Listen Now
Do you ever take time to listen and not sing? As a young preacher, one of the most intimidating things for me was having a brotherhood legend as one of my elders. It took several years and someone telling me what was happening before I stopped getting nervous. Every time Reuel took a note card out of his front pocket and wrote something down while I was preaching, I wondered what I had said that was wrong. Rather than writing down something I had wrongly said or something he didn’t agree with, I found out he was writing down what he liked and would use in his editorials. What I initially thought was a criticism was actually a compliment.) Another thing Reuel did that often concerned our worship leaders was to simply bow his head and not sing while we were singing congregationally. This was most noticeable on newer, more “contemporary” – whatever that really means – songs. This sometimes threw our worship leaders and irritated other members of the congregation. Finally, I got up enough nerve to go share this information with him. His answer – which I can still hear in his scratchy voice – went something like this: “Well, I sure don’t want to be discouraging during our singing, but sometimes I just like to listen.” No big problem here. No big theological issue or quarrel with song selection or content. With all he had on his plate, with all his years of ministry, with all his concerns about the future of God’s people, sometimes he just wanted to sit there and be blessed by the brothers and sisters as they sang! Years later, we lived in west Texas and suffered through several weeks of icy weather in the western and central parts of Texas. Roads had been closed. Businesses, schools, and churches had been closed. On Wednesday evening, our services were canceled at the building, but our HIP service (HIP stands for High Impact Praise) was conducted at a chapel on a university campus in town. The acoustics were great. There were only four of us who were over thirty years old in attendance. As we began to sing with no amplification or microphones, the sound of over three hundred voices melding into one great sound of praise drove me to sit there in silence. I just listened! As I sat there on the verge of major tear duct leakage, I remembered my elder’s old statement and made it my own. “Sometimes I just like to listen!” Like the proper salve for an open wound, like a glass of cool water on a hot day, and like a breath of fresh air for someone coming out of a mine shaft, this singing filled a deep soul-need. While I hope I’m never warped by an evil spirit as King Saul was, I sure understand how “the tormenting spirit would go away” when David sang and played for him (1 Samuel 16:23). Sitting there listening to these young adults praising God at the top of their voices in such beautiful harmony on a night when most folks in town didn’t venture outside their door sent my tormenting spirits scurrying for cover! I have known for years that praise music juices me in ways that I cannot define. So if you see me with a throng of worshipers and I’m not singing, please know this truth: I’m not angry. I don’t dislike the song selection. I’m not offended by something. it’s just that sometimes I just like to listen! About the author: Phil Ware has authored 11 years of daily devotionals, including VerseoftheDay.com, read by 500,000 people a day. He works with churches in transition with Interim Ministry Partners and for the past 21+ years, he has been editor and president of HEARTLIGHT Magazine, author of VerseoftheDay.com, God’s Holy Fire (on the Holy Spirit), and aYearwithJesus.com. Phil has also authored four books, daily devotionals on each of the four gospels.
Sinking or Walking
How are you doing in your walk toward Jesus? The other day, I was reading a passage I have read probably a thousand times. It is the story of Jesus walking on the water and Peter joining him for a short while. (Matthew 14:22-33) As I read it this time, however, a new insight popped into my head. I have used that passage numerous times when preaching, but never really thought about the idea that struck me this day. If you are familiar with the story you know that Peter had a faith issue as he began to walk on the water. Then, the crucial verse puts it this way: But while Peter was walking on the water, he saw the wind and the waves. Peter became afraid and began sinking down into the water. Peter shouted, “Lord, save me!” You know what occurred to me? If I had written that scene, I would have probably phrased it differently – probably something like, “As the winds and rain blew mightily around him, Peter’s faith failed him and as he suddenly splashed down into the water he screamed, ‘Lord, save me!’” Now you may not have noticed the subtle difference, but in the biblical version, Peter appears to have BEGUN sinking into the water slowly – not with a sudden splash. As I read that, the thought occurred to me, “Isn’t that just like how Satan works on us today! He doesn’t cause us to question our faith all at once or tempt us to suddenly become totally lost in sin, it happens gradually as we bit by bit take our eyes off of Jesus.” We have something come into our lives that opens the door for sin, and gradually, it takes us over completely. Just like Peter, we begin to sink an inch at a time. In one of the first few stories recorded in the Bible, Cain is warned by God about this problem. He said to him: “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is couching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4:7 RSV) Sin did consume Cain; he didn’t call out to God for help or heed God’s warning. However, Peter cried out to the Lord for salvation. That tells me that we have an important choice that determines our outcome in such circumstances. Just like with Peter, Jesus has invited us to come to him, but do we have faith enough to take the walk across the stormy seas and be with him? An easy task? No! But it is not impossible, for the Lord is with us, calling us, reaching out for us. As Jesus said, “This is something that people cannot do themselves. It must come from God. God can do all things.” (Mark 10:27 ERV) There is an old hymn that puts it this way: I was sinking deep in sin,Far from the peaceful shore.Very deeply stained within,Sinking to rise no more;But the Master of the seaHeard my despairing cry,From the waters lifted meNow safe am I.Love lifted me!Love lifted me!When nothing else could help,Love lifted me. (Love Lifted Me by James Rowe) How are you doing walking on water toward Jesus? Bet you can’t do it by yourself! You need the Master of the universe to lift you up just like the rest of us. Praise God! Just like he did with Peter, he’s willing to do it for us! About the author: Russ Lawson is a former missionary to Africa and minister in Ohio. He now works with World Christian Literature Outreach and writes a weekly email devotional, Messages from the Heart. For more information about Russ, click here.