Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Matthew 14:24-32, NIV
Dear Friends,
I love this text because it shows the possibilities when we rely on Jesus and not ourselves. When we trust Jesus, we can experience the unexpected, and that can be awesome. Peter got out of the boat and has an experience that the rest of the disciples missed, he walked on water! Yes, he may have lost his footing when the reality of the experience surpassed the possibilities in his mind…. but that is Jesus.
We simply cannot conceive or comprehend all that Jesus can do because Jesus “can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.” Peter’s limitations may have produced a short walk but… wow, what a walk! One or two steps, 10 or 15 seconds walking on water must have been a feeling he would never forget. It was a faith-building experience, and even in his unbelief, Jesus did not forsake him but kept him safe.
In 2021, let us get out of the boat! Build your testimony. Let God lead and believe that the possibilities are infinite. Let us take the lessons of 2020 and allow 2021 to be a year of discovery and growth. Be ready for the Holy Spirit’s revelation to you and move forward, expecting God’s strength and love to guide you. Next week we enter into the Lenten Season, a sacred time in our liturgical calendar. Christians all over the world draw close to God for a time of introspection. Many will fast from meals, favorite foods, activities, and even hobbies to dedicate that time to prayer. As we approach Lent, let us have the hope and expectation of Peter, ask God to bring us closer, hold our hand and guide us in our unbelief.
Reach up God’s hand is waiting and the possibilities are infinite,
Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain
Executive Director
To the FBC ladies, we are still collecting quarters for the Weirton Christian Center quarters for grades program. We are also collecting used stamps for our mission project. Both of these can be brought to the church office.