Jesus Walks on Water: Matthew 14:22-33

 Greetings!

Have you ever heard the fascinating story of Jesus walking on water? It's one of the most intriguing miracles in the Bible. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus appeared to his disciples, struggling to keep their boat afloat during a stormy, turbulent night on the Sea of Galilee. Still, the disciples saw Jesus' walking on the water towards them amid all the chaos. 

Wow! What a sight to behold! It sounds like a good ghost story; keep reading to see if it is one.

Jesus defies nature and walks on water, causing the disciples to react with fear and confusion. Surprised, they exclaim, "It's a ghost!" But Jesus quickly restates their concern with a reassuring message: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Jesus reassured them and invited Peter to come out and join him on the water. Peter stepped out of the boat and walked towards Jesus, but when he saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. Jesus caught him and said, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 

Why do you think Jesus asks Peter about doubting? What did Peter doubt? Have you ever doubted God's voice in your life?

In the Christian tradition, walking on water is seen as a miracle, representing Jesus' divine power over nature. However, the story's Symbolism goes deeper than just demonstrating Jesus' supernatural abilities. Word of God reveals powerful and memorable narratives to empower and enrich our Christian faith, teaching us valuable lessons about trusting God.

 

In walking on water, Jesus also demonstrates his trust in God and willingness to believe in impossible situations to accomplish His will. A deeper inquiry into the water reveals the chaos and uncertainty of the world in an attempt to overcome various storms in life, such as financial difficulties, health issues, relationship problems, career challenges, and more. Jesus provides the impetus that if we believe in impossible, seemingly out-of-this-world situations, we too can overcome these storms and bring order back to our lives. 

Furthermore, the story provides a metaphor for the pilgrimage of faith. As Peter begins to sink when he takes his eyes off Jesus, we, too, can lose sight of our faith. But by keeping our sight of Jesus and trusting his voice, we can embrace the strength required to endure the storms of life.

Overall, the Symbolism of Jesus walking on water is an eternal reminder of the importance of faith, courage, and trust in God, especially when facing challenges that would swallow us up.

Remember that God's voice is always beckoning us to come closer to him in our relationships with him and others. 

It's true that where we are in our relationship with God can significantly impact our ability to stay focused on the voice of Jesus. Even when the winds around us are strong and seem like they will consume us, having a solid connection with God can help us stay anchored and focused on His guidance. We must nurture our relationship with Him through prayer, reading scripture, and seeking His will.

Becoming A Water Walker,

Minister Sylvia Joyner

 

Becoming a Better You in 2024

 Wow, it's 2024! 

The beginning of a strong year begins with you today, January 11, 2024, as we continue walking by faith this second week of the year. Today's thoughts stem from what we will do to accomplish more in 2024. 

The question many say is that they accomplished a lot in 2023, too, so what else is there to do? 

One question I ask you is, are you taking the prompts from God in ways to develop a more profound and meaningful relationship with Him and others? Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." 

In other words, when life's challenges presented their truth in 2023, could you represent God's truth without blinking an eye? Many of you already know that challenges are a part of life. 

Rest assured, God says in Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. 

Challenges have one goal: not to break us but to improve us. 

Philippians 4:13 strengthens us with these words: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Simply put, 2023 was a year that prepared you for the challenges you will face in 2024. 

A new year doesn't eliminate challenges faced in life but helps us remember that God is there too when they come.

Below are some practical and applicable ways to become a better you in 2024:

1. Galatians 6:9: "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." This verse encourages us to keep doing good deeds even when it seems like we are not getting any reward for it.
2. Proverbs 4:23: "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." This verse reminds us to guard our hearts and be careful about what we let in.
3. Psalm 46:10: "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" This verse encourages us to be still and trust in God's plan.
4. Genesis 50:20: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." This verse reminds us that God can use even the bad things that happen to us for good.
5. Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This verse gives us hope for a better future.
6. Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse reminds us that God is always working for our good.
7. Colossians 1:9: "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives." This verse encourages us to pray for others and ask God to give them wisdom and understanding.
8. Ecclesiastes 3:1: "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens." This verse reminds us that there is a time for everything and that we should trust God's timing (biblestudytools.com).

To get through life's challenges requires the undivided attention to the yes and no in our lives. I hope these verses help you to become a better person in 2024. Remember to always trust in God and seek His guidance. 

A New Year of Possibilities, 2024

Minister Sylvia Joyner