When We Can't Jesus Can

Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ, I have been given a Word. That Word was found in the book of Matthew chapter 14, verses 22-31. This Word was given to me tonight by a true man of God. He shared some truly deep insights that we as Christians get caught up in. The trappings of this world cause us to doubt our faith. It causes us to say that un- Godly phrase (in my opinion) "I can't." Most of the time when I say I can't is because I haven't tried or am unwilling too. Sometimes it can be because I am too comfortable in the situation I am in to try.

But take a look at the text. You all know the story. The disciples are in a boat, in the middle of the sea, when a storm hits. The men are about a mile or so off shore. When off in the distance, walking on the water, calm as can be, is Jesus Christ. Here is the pivotal point in the story, at least I thought, where Peter focusing on Jesus leaps from the boat and starts to walk on the water. When Peter starts to look away and takes his eyes off Jesus for a time, Peter starts to sink. Like a rock. But, here is the real pivotal point and a lead in to the real point. Peter almost drowns, but the messiah grabs Peter, scolds him and then they walk on the water together. Did you catch that? Peter walks on the water for a second time. When we can't or when we say we can't Jesus will reach out and help us to succeed. But, what had to happen first? Did you catch it? Peter had to have some faith, be willing to leap out of the comfortable boat, and at least try to walk on water. Brothers and sisters Peter may have appeared to fail, but as was shared with me tonight; the ones who really failed were the other disciples who decided to stay in their comfortable boat and not even attempt to walk on water, not even try to exercise their faith.

Brothers and sisters this was me a few months ago. I heard tonight, that is better to try in faith and fail, than not to have tried at all. Brothers and sisters it is time that we as a church get out of boats, get off of our cans and try and walk with Jesus. To speak out in faith, even if we stumble in our words, even if we appear to have failed at first. Look at Peter, the petra or rock of the Christian faith. He stumbled, he had dark days, but he had undeniable faith. Peter the rock, could not be moved. He held steadfast to the promises of the coming King. Brothers and sisters I challenge you tonight, to step out of that leaky, moldy, smelly boat and walk with the Risen savior Jesus Christ. Exercise your faith and watch it get stronger.

God Bless You and Keep You

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