Fasting Devotional – Day Eight
Title: Get out of the Boat
Text: Matthew 14:22-33
Written by: Todd Houston
“Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:22-33, ESV)
Thoughts
For some, this is a familiar passage. Foor others, it may be new. I have heard this story many times over my years in church and most of the time pastors/teachers focus on Peter's lack of faith or our need to keep our eyes on Jesus. Though that is true, one pastor challenged me to a different viewpoint. What were the disciples thinking when Peter stood up to get out. Were they saying, 'Peter sit down, Peter don't rock the boat, Peter you can't walk on water, Peter you will sink." Why did they just sit there and not follow Peter?
This has been my life in many areas and this year I have been challenged to get out of the safety of my boat, to step out into the deep waters, and SHIFT my beliefs about God and the Holy Spirit. I have been led to ask God what he thinks of me instead of what I think or even others think. Not only do I need to ask, but I need to believe what I hear from God. I have been encouraged to seek more of the Holy Spirit, to request all of His fullness in my life, and believe that all of His gifts are available to me.
My prayer now is for the Spirit to fully fill me; so there is no room for self, no room for doubt, no room for sin in my life. I have shifted to ask the Spirit to give me a word for others as a way to encourage them. Though I am still on this journey, the Spirit is reminding me more of when the spiritual fruit of love, kindness, and self-control are lacking. My mind is more attentive to stopping and praying for needs and praying with my family. I know the Spirit has more to reveal to me as I continue to seek.
Challenge
I encourage you to stand up and get out of your boat of security and complacency. Be bold, ask the Spirit to fill you, and then respond to His prompting! God wants so much more for you if you will only get out of your boat. Don't wait for others, just trust God and jump.
Prayer
Lord, I want more of you! Help me not to be complacent but to pursue you with my whole heart, soul, and mind. Spirit, I need all of you to fill me to overflowing; so that your fruit is evident in all areas of my life. I want this for myself, my family, and our church body. In Jesus name, I pray!
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