In Matthew 14 we see that Jesus, after feeding a multitude, dismissed the disciples and sent them on a boat ride across the sea. He then spent the remainder of that afternoon, evening, and night in an awesome prayer session with His Father. Then Jesus, the 'laid-aside-His-glory' Jesus (see Philippians 2:5-7), took a struggle-free walk on the sea to catch up with His disciples.
Bold, brash, impulsive Simon Peter also engaged in a few moments of water-walking... and, based on Jesus's comment (Matthew 14:31), the implication is that Peter could have walked further had Peter not traded faith for doubt. I wonder what the disciples' boat ride would have been like had they all engaged in hours of sweet, faith-filled communion with God prior to their journey.
What about us in 2013? Pastor Shane mentioned some strategies that are helpful in keeping our minds fixed on the Lord:
- Daily prayer;
- Full devotion;
- Engagement in the word of God (reflection);
- Being fully grounded in Scripture (memorization);
- Engagement in Christian community.
What things might we be capable of doing if our full attention is kept on our Lord... if we are fully obedient... if we are fully engaged in the word and in prayer?
We might become agents of grace... agents of healing... agents of encouragement.
We might become carriers of the miraculous nature of God.
Water feat? Sure.
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