Asking the impossible

We all know the story of Peter walking on the water. Despite its familiarity, I saw something new in it recently.

As Jesus pulls Peter out of the water he asks him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Mt. 14:31).

It's not the first time Jesus asks his disciples this question. But as I reread it, I found myself asking something different.

What was it Peter was doubting? He wasn't doubting Jesus' ability or willingness to save him - that's why he cried out to him.

No, he doubted his own ability to do what Jesus told him to do.

Remember, Peter told him, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." So Jesus said, "Come" (Mt. 14:28, 29).

So many times we ask God to use us, work through us, and make a difference. Here, Peter has an opportunity to demonstrate Jesus' authority over wind and waves to the other disciples.

But somewhere between the asking and the answer, he began to doubt. Have you been there?

You've learned to smile at strangers and pay for someone else's coffee in line. You really want to demonstrate the goodness of God.

So then God really takes you at your word.

He asks you to do the impossible.

Now what?

Driving cross-country once, God told me to stop at a rest area. I did, and quickly noticed a small group of people, one of whom was limping. He told me to pray for her.

Praying a nice blessing over someone certainly wasn't impossible, but I knew I definitely couldn't heal anyone on my own. Still, I prayed as I was led. Interestingly enough, the prayer included both healing and protection over the family.

The woman and I connected on Facebook. The next day she messaged me that 3 of them had been in a head-on collision and walked away unhurt.

...

The impossible - it might be praying for strangers. It might be fostering or adopting children broken inside and out. It might be walking on water all the way to another city or nation and becoming a living demonstration of the goodness and power of God.

The point isn't how "big" or "small" the task. It's not allowing yourself to doubt. If he's asking you to do it, he's planning to back you up.

And when wind and waves threaten, remember who it was who asked you: "The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it" (1 Thess. 5:24).

Comments

  1. Mary SeidlerMay 26, 2015 at 6:33 PM

    This was excellent Karen!!!!!!! Great word!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KarenMay 26, 2015 at 7:14 PM

      Thank you, Mary! I truly appreciate your support!

      Delete

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