Women@Work

Invitation to Walk on Water

(Part 2)

When we hear clearly the voice of God, do we take immediate action and step out in faith on His word? This is the kind of faith that impresses God—faith that sees, hears and believes that if God said it, that settles it! Will you accept the invitation to walk on water?

Three basic requirements will help you make a decision to accept the invitation to do the impossible through faith:

#1—A willingness to obey. God understands our weaknesses and our fears. Most important, He knows our heart. Just wanting to obey the Lord makes a difference. If you have a willingness to obey, God does not have to allow the harshness of life’s experience to force a change of heart. When He bids you to come by stepping out of the familiar, it’s your personal experience with Him. Do not expect everybody to cheer you on or agree with your decision to obey. In fact, you may even be considered insane or viewed as a fanatic dependent on the “water walking” experience.

#2—Know Jesus by the power of His Word. This requires studying the Word of God. Get into the Word and see through the eyes of the Holy Spirit how when Jesus spoke things happened—the sick were healed, demons were expelled, the lame walked, and the blind regain their sight. This will motivate you. As you are motivated, you will begin making the Word work in your situation. I am certain this experience caused Peter to see Jesus in a different light. Moreover, this experience caused Peter to recognize the power of Jesus’ Word. The best way to know Jesus by the power of His Word is through impossible situations where you speak the Word of God and see results.

#3—Stay focused. If you are to going to accept an invitation to do the impossible by applying faith, you cannot afford to be distracted. Distractions cause you to stop concentrating on the Word. Beware of three distracting elements that put you in danger of going under (drowning):

Focusing on something that is totally out of your control. Remember, God is in control. All power and authority have been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). He controls the wind and waves. You cannot!
Panicking over the effects of something that appears more powerful than God or His word. Impossibility wouldn’t be an issue if things were easy to handle or resolve. Panicking is not going to change appearances.
Doubting the power of God to control what He is Lord over. When Christians doubt, they open themselves to being deceived by the enemy. Consequently, it becomes easier to sink deeper in doubt and disbelief.

Peter’s action was irrational. This was radical faith, and his irrational obedience to the Lord's invitation resulted in him doing the impossible. It is this kind of radical faith that impresses God!

Of course, demonstrating radical faith and obedience will increase the potential for ridicule and rejection. Are you up to it? I’m certain the other disciples thought Peter had really gone over the edge mentally and physically.

I firmly believe that if we set our hearts to obey God at all costs, take Him at His Word and live wholeheartedly committed to Him as Lord, we will experience the abundant life that He promised.