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How faith works in the real world
Pastor's corner
pastor corner

"And Peter answered him and said, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’"

— (Matthew 14:28, NKJV.

This is one of the most known acts of faith in the Bible. One of Jesus’ boldest disciples asks to walk on water, and Jesus allows him to do just that.

We know this scripture and know the main words used in this request, but many miss what Peter actually asked. Peter asks Jesus to allow him to do something that only God can do and that could not be explained through coincidence or happenstance. This was an act of God and God alone.

This story came to mind a few days ago while I was at work and I kept coming across something. I was in the midst of making a decision and I told myself, if I come across the same thing that seemed to have a connection with my decision, I would go with that decision. Then God brought to my mind this story.

So many of us are looking for God to reveal some things, but we ask for revelation through coincidence. For example, we’ll say "Lord, if those shoes are still there, I am going to buy them."

The problem with that is if they are still there, it has nothing to do with God, but it just so happened that nobody wanted those shoes. If they are not there, it still has nothing to do with God; somebody else just happens to have wanted them. This is a simple example, sure enough, but sometimes we do the same thing when it comes to more complex decisions.

When you need God to reveal something or even himself, do not limit an all-powerful God. Ask God to do something that without a shadow of doubt, you will know it was God and God alone.

The other thing Peter says when he makes his request is very important. He does not just say "let me," but "command me to come to you on the water." The New Living Translation says "tell me" and the Message Bible says "call me." Not only did Peter ask God something that would not limit his power, but he is saying "I will not move until you tell me to move."

When you need a revelation, do not respond until God responds. Wait on the Lord to tell you to move. Faith is believing that God can and that he will, but also having the patience to wait on his command to move.

The Bible also says the "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way" (Proverbs 37:23). So don’t step until God has ordered you to do so.

God bless you all.

Harper is a member Baconton M.B.C. and the United Ministerial Alliance.

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