From the Boat to the Water....Change Happens

“And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.” – Matthew 14:29

Peter was once a professional fisherman.  I imagine like most fishermen he felt somewhat comfortable in the ocean, but I also imagine that he felt far more comfortable in the boat.  His human ability, that is to say, what he could accomplish by his own: intelligence, strength, or willpower…..his human ability was totally limited to the boat.  Even the world’s best swimmers don’t last long in a big squall; you need a boat to survive.  Peter was once a professional fisherman, and professional fishermen knew their way around boats.

In case you don’t already know……Satan is a liar.  He will tell you whatever tale he must to get you to denounce God.  He is a liar and the father of lies.  Perhaps one of his chief lies is this one: “You need to get yourself straight.”  Why do you think fitness centers see a spike in membership in January, and then a decline in attendance by March?  Why do we have repeat criminal offences?  Why do those who graduate from rehab facilities find themselves back in a rehab facility?  “I can change my life.”  “I must: do better, work harder, and resolve to be a better man.”  I, I, I………the problem with all of these statements is that one assumes THEY have the ability within themselves to accomplish that which is impossible for a mortal man.  You do not find salvation through your own resolve; you find it by reaching the end of your own human ability.  If you are to truly walk the way of holiness; to truly live a life pleasing to God.  A life that is free from every willful transgression against him; then you must recognize that it is not “by our power or by our might.”  Satan says it is impossible to live without sin………. “Why you could no more live without sin than you could walk on water.” Peter did the impossible, by reaching the end of his human ability, and relying totally on God’s supremacy. 

To find complete fellowship with the Father and complete salvation from all sin we must do the same thing as Peter did.  We must reach the end of our willpower, our pride, our knowledge, our comfort zone……..when must get out of the boat.  You cannot will your way out of sin, you cannot resolve your way to walking on water; you must leap.  We must all leap, we must leave all that we are and trust wholly in the Son of God; only then, can that which is seemingly impossible become extraordinarily possible. 

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourself it is the gift of God:” – Ephesians 2:8

Faith is the route to salvation; it is not a suggested route, it is THE route.

Any thoughts, questions, comments?  Would you agree? Disagree?  I look forward to hearing from you.  May God bless you all; and thank you for reading.   Please send any and all responses to pgcollins65@gmail.com