Peter beckoned the Lord, “bid me come unto thee on the water.” He too walked on the water. “But when he saw the wind forcible, he was afraid; and beginning to sink; he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” “Instantly Jesus stretched out His hand and caught hold of him, saying to him, ‘O little faith, why did you doubt?'”
When boisterous winds cause our undergirding to swirl, please remember the outstretched arm of Jesus. Friends, our lives include miracles on the upside, but fallings on the down. To know beforehand that Christ’ open hand of rescue awaits my down-plunges, is an absolute essential for any “success” I may gain.
Consider Psalm 37:23-24
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” ESV
Jeremiah 10:23 teaches “I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” And, ” Proverbs 20:24 “A man’s steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way? ” And ” Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. “
So, what of this establishment? What of God’s delight? Keil and Delitzsch comment:
“Man is indeed free to turn himself hither or thither, to decide on this course of conduct or on that, and is therefore responsible for it; but the relations co-operating in all his steps as the possible and defining conditions are God’s contrivance and guidance, and the consequences which are connected with his steps and flow therefrom, lie beyond the power of man .”
“every one of his steps is a link of a chain”
neither the beginning nor the end of which he can see; while, on the other hand, God’s knowledge comprehends the beginning, middle, and end, and the wisdom of God ruling in the sphere of history, makes all human activity, the free action of man, subservient to his world-plan.”
A mouth full, K and D. help us see, in all of our “steps”
- Co-operating relationships are outside of mans control.
- Consequence is absolutely unpredictable.
For these we need God, and any co-operation or consequence (good or bad) cannot be absolutely assumed by man, who knows things only relatively. Faith, faith, faith gives access to grace, grace, grace. We stand in it, we walk in it. Faith, only, pleases God.
Back to Peter: His stubborn bent blocked his ability to comprehend the walk of faith;
Matthew 26:33 reveals, “Peter answered him, ‘Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.'”
Stuck in his own driven soul, Peter viewed headstrong determination and vigor, as the leading attributes of manhood.
Then. another day and a sifting came to Peter’s world. Jesus speaks a warning to him:
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,
but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32
Paraphrase: In a severe trial coming, faith will sustain you. However, headstrong determination will fail you. When you see the waves boisterous, you will be encompassed by them, but,
Please remember, Jesus’ outstretched hand of rescue.
In closing, Peter failed miserably, and we might also. In “faith” training, perhaps failure necessitates itself — we must learn the impotency of natural strength.” Peter even denied His Savior in a severe sifting.
But, please never forget God’s promise to Israel, “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”” Deuteronomy 33:27 We will not be “cast headlong” for the Lord upholds us with His hand. “
Friends, “He is able to keep us from falling” so says Jude 24 — restoration undermines the enemy’s attempt at total destruction.
Hide in Him, rest in His love, beloved. Eyes on Our Savior, The storm will pass. Love ya
