09/22/10

Not sure what this little guy is called.... can't find him in our butterfly book... or at least I don't think I have. lol
Today was the first day of fall.... and it was in the upper 90's. NICE. Way to break out those sweatshirts. lol

Here is my devotion I read last night. I just had to share. Hope it is a blessing today:

Walking on Water
Matthew 14:22-34

I love the title of John Ortberg's book: If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat. It's one of those titles that says it all. Imagine the thrill of stepping out by faith and walking on water. What an experience that must have been for Peter! In spite of his type A personality and brashness, I always pictured him gingerly testing the surface of the water before trusting all his weight to that first step. I wouldn't argue the point for those who think otherwise, but there's one thing to keep in mind about the rest of us. In spite of our earnest desire to experience the unimaginable, for most of us, fear keeps us in the boat. We may find some consolation in the fact that none of the other disciples joined Peter. They had the opportunity. They had the assurance it could be done - Peter was on the water - but they didn't get out. I'm sure some were disappointed in themselves for not trying. Undoubtedly others were comfortable enough just to remain in the boat.

How very much like those disciples are the rest of us, each having our own reason or rationale for not stepping out of the boat. Some of us have a huge fear of trusting God with our lives. Others shudder to think of living outside of their comfort zone, and a few think it's foolish to be so zealous for the Lord. Strange how getting out of that boat reaches deep into our souls. It tries our faith, and more than that it tests our spiritual strength and tests who and what we are in the Lord.

This miracle was a bold demonstration of Peter's zeal and faith, that is until he took his eyes off the Lord and focused on the storm. Fear gripped his heart and he immediately began to sink. His prayer was simple and straightforward, "Lord, save me." The Lord took him by the hand and rescued him.

I have a suggestion - step out of the boat! Live by faith! Experience the unimaginable! Don't debate with God when He has spoken - do what He says and recklessly abandon yourself to Him.

You'll find you can face anything, including your fears, when you're focused on Christ.