Faith

Faith .. "Confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see"-Hebrews Chapter 11 verse 1 . Faith is essential in our walk with Christ. In Matthew Chapter 14 verses 26-33 we read about Jesus walking on the water, and how Peter wanted to walk on the water also. Jesus said come and Peter did. Peter walked on the water ! Only for a minute or so . Then he began to sink crying out "Lord Save me !" What happened ? Several things happened during Peter's walk , that we can compare with our walk of faith today. First Peter took his eyes off of Jesus. Second he started to pay attention to the howling winds and last but not least "He was afraid ". Fear and doubt cripple our faith severely. In Mark Chapter 5 verse 36 Jesus says "Don't be afraid just believe". "You of little faith, why did you doubt "Jesus says to Peter " in Matthew chapter 14 verse 30. Peter took his eyes off of Jesus doing this he lost his direction,and the source of true power. Christ is the power we trust in. It is Christ that defeat's all our fears and doubts. If we don't allow him to work in us. Our fears and doubts will be waiting on us. The second thing that cripples our faith is focusing on the howling winds (Negative situations, feelings etc.) We leave no room for faith when fear crowds our minds. Pray and ask for the Holy Spirit to strengthen you giving you courage and hope in the midst of a negative situation ."Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" - 1 Peter Chapter 5 verse 7. Each of these will severely hinder our walk with Christ. Focus on Christ and his Word. Read the Bible daily and build yourself up in the knowledge of the Lord. Pray for Wisdom , "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. ⁶ But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. " -James Chapter 1 verse 5 . Ask him to help you memorize scripture, doing this the Word will be written on your heart. With the word written on your heart there will be no room for fear in your mind. Pray constantly asking the Lord to intervene if you feel you are to far in over your head. "..Lord save me! immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him"-Matthew chapter 14 verse 30-31. Immediately. Immediately ! Jesus came to the rescue. Jesus did not whistle and drag his feet on the way to save Peter. Jesus immediately reached out his hand. The Bible does not tell us how deep in Peter was before he was saved. We are only told he was immediately saved. I tend to complain " Lord are you there ?" "Do you hear me?" From our perspective it seems like the Lord lets us just sink deeper and deeper into trouble. Sometimes rightfully so he allows us to sit in troublesome spots so we can think. Think mainly on his ability to sanctify us in difficult times whether they be spiritual or physical. He is mighty to save. The Lord is omniscience , he always knows the time to save us.