Women@Work

Invitation to Walk on Water

(Part 1)

Venturing into the unknown can be fearful. The first day on a new job, performing new tasks, and taking on new responsibilities can be unsettling.

Adapting to new surroundings, adjusting to different lifestyles, and relationship changes such as from singleness to married life; new business ventures and financial investments all involve taking risks. Something about the “unfamiliar” either will take us under because of fear, or we will overcome it because of faith.

Life presents us with two options— succumb to fear or apply faith. If we practice applying faith rather than being immobilized by fear, we are destined to become masters at managing life.

Becoming a master at managing life should be the goal of every Christian. God desires that His people master life. Every situation, circumstance or condition should be mastered by faith! Trusting Him and the power of His Word are essential to accomplish the impossibilities we face in life.

Personal experiences help us become masters of life. Too often we view unpleasant experiences as only obstacles when, in fact, they are stepping-stones strategically placed in our path to help us reach our destination. They lead us toward a path of faith which will take us from one victory to another.

According to Hebrews 11:6, it is impossible to please God without faith. So the question is: do you want to please God? Assuming your answer is yes, then go after “faith” that impresses God! Of course, that means experiences that will require a test of faith.

You have probably heard the statement “You cannot impress God.” Well, the Bible tells us Jesus was impressed (amazed, astonished) by the faith shown by others. Examples: Matthew 8:10, Jesus “marveled” at the Centurion’s faith; Matthew 15:28, the Syro-Phoenician mother got Jesus’ attention by her faith; and the four men who took the roof off and let their paralytic friend down were honored for their faith (Mark 2:5).

As a matter of fact, the Christian life is one lived by faith. “The just (righteous) shall live by faith (Romans 1:17); “For we walk by faith, not by sight…” (2 Corinthians 5:7). If you try to master this life based on what you see, you’re destined to drown in regrets, missed opportunities, and a sea of excuses. Christ is the hope of our glory and any Christian who tries to master life without trusting in, relying on and adhering to Him does not recognize Him as LORD.

In order to live above the perplexities and challenges of life, you must be willing to step out of the familiar into the unfamiliar, and attempt the impossible. Faith without action is simply “talk”!

Therefore, when you desire to do what seems impossible in the natural, you have a standing invitation from God to experience the supernatural. Just as Jesus bid Peter, He bids you, “Come!”

Would you have gotten out of the boat? Be honest! Peter is most often remembered for taking his eyes off Jesus and beginning to sink. However, what’s most noticeable to me is his impulsive act of faith. Jesus said, “Come.” And Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water at the bidding of the Christ! That’s awesome!