Ephesians 3:20 (Amp) "Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]"
Amplified version of the Bible is always a mouthful but WOW does it say it well!! You have to read it slowly and go back over it a few times to fully receive all that it says because there is so much. This has been one of a few scriptures that has been on my heart lately to walk in more fully. It has challenged me to believe God for more out of my life. I have one life. One life to live for His glory and while I am here I want to fully live it. I think this verse must excite God beyond what we even know because if you think about it - He is a HUGE God and we are so finite. Finite creatures with limitations. He is a God without limitations.
I was reading in Matthew 14 about Jesus walking on the water and something struck me after I read about Peter also coming out on the water.
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
“Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
As I read Peter's request to Jesus to go out on the water, I thought about how it was a daring and risky request. It was a request looking for adventure, more...to step into the unknown and experience it with Jesus. Once he was out there, he was right next to Jesus and as long as he kept his eyes where they belonged - on Jesus - everything was okay within Peter despite what may have been going on around him. Because remember there was still a storm around them. A storm that had just declared them to be in trouble and nothing had changed except Jesus walking toward them on the water. Despite the storm - Peter got out of the boat and walked toward the Master.
How often have I asked God in my own words "to get out of the boat." When He has beckoned me to come, I step out and when things get a little shaky I worry or become afraid doubting I heard Him because I turn my eyes on the storm. When my eyes are turned upon the storm I become very aware of my own weaknesses and circumstances. I forget how close the Master is to me. I forget He stands immediately next to me and is the One who has called for me. I have lost sight of the fact that He will never leave me or forsake me. In the midst of the storms and adventures of life, He is constant.
After Peter saw the storm, He began to sink. Jesus immediately caught him. There was no question about it, Jesus was there and ready to catch Peter in his doubt. What struck me was how close we can be next to Jesus, but if we take our eyes off of Him, how quickly we can begin to sink because we lose sight...
Proverbs 4:20-27
My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.
Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.
Avoid all perverse talk;
stay away from corrupt speech.
Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.
Focus.
What is your focus?
Are you willing to step out of the boat for more of the life you have been created for?
Dare to believe for more.
Will you trust Him?
Mistakes will be made along the way,
But He will always be next to you....
Faithful and True.
