July 19, 2021
When we cry out – He comes!
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
Between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the water (Matthew 14:25, NCV).
Friend to Friend
The story is told of Will Rogers who came to his comedian friend, Eddie Cantor, for advice. Will wanted to make some important changes in his act but was worried about the danger of such changes, explaining that he wasn’t sure if they would work. Eddie Cantor’s response was, “Why not go out on a limb? That’s where the fruit is!” The same is true of faith.
Faith is the ability to trust what we cannot see. Faith is willing to take risks, embrace the unseen and step away from the safety of the shore.
We fear the outcome or don’t understand the step God has asked us to take. We are afraid to fail and are more concerned about our “reputation” as a Christian than we are about being obedient to God. As long as the enemy can keep us preoccupied with a selfish perspective, our faith is impotent.
Many people say they do believe God is who He says He is. They believe that He is able to do what He says He will do but falter at the point of believing that God is willing to work in their lives.
Oh, we find it easy to agree mentally with the truth that we serve a powerful God who loves us and has a great plan for our life, but that belief is worthless until it settles in our hearts and changes the way we live.
If we don’t live it, we don’t really believe it. If we are not willing to step away from the shore, we will miss so much of what God has for us in life.
The life of Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God’s willingness to work in our lives. The disciples had personally witnessed God’s willingness to save His children. Yet, in Matthew 14, we find them in a boat, caught in a storm, afraid, and still questioning God’s willingness to rescue them.
Did they cry out in fear?
Yes!
Did He come?
Yes!
Between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the water (Matthew 14:25, NCV).
Jesus came to the disciples, walking on the water, between three and six o’clock in the morning, the darkest time of the night. I have often wished I could have been on that boat with the disciples, waiting for Jesus to show up.
I imagine the questions and complaints were flying. “Why would Jesus send us out here, knowing the waves would be high? Where is He? Why is He waiting so long to rescue us? Can’t He just calm the waves as He did before? I ministered all day long and this is my reward?” Sound familiar? It does to me.
Truth: God does not withhold His blessings because He is angry with us. God is always willing and waiting to pour out His favor and blessings on a life of faith.
Hebrews tells us that faith always honors God and God always honors faith. “Without faith no one can please God. Anyone who comes to God must believe that He is real and that He rewards those who truly want to find Him” (Hebrews 11:6 NCV).
I think part of the problem is that we don’t know how to define “blessing.” A blessing is not always easy, painless, simple, or comfortable. A blessing often comes, wrapped in the mystery of darkness and even pain.
Truth: Anything that makes us cry out to God can be counted as a blessing. Why? Because when we are desperate and in pain, when we have no answers and the darkness is closing in, we cry out to God, just as the disciples did, and He comes!
It’s time for the children of God to step away from the shore. It’s time for us to step out on a limb. It’s time for us to step out in faith – no matter how small that step may be. He will honor that step of faith … and He will come!
Let’s Pray
Father, I come to You today with a faith that seems so small. I want to believe You. I want to walk by faith, knowing that You will keep every promise You have ever made. Help my unbelief, Lord.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read Psalm 86:15 (NIV) “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
What is the first step of faith you need to take today? Are you willing to take it right now?
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© 2021 by Mary Southerland. All rights reserved.
Originally published Monday, 19 July 2021.
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