FAITH COMPLETE WITH ACTION

by Prince Josiah Jeyaraj

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said. - Matthew 14:28,29a

Jesus had just then miraculously fed 5000 people in remote place close to the Sea of Galilee with five loaves and two fish. (Matthew 14:13-21). Then Jesus sent His disciples ahead of him, while He said goodbye to the thousands of people. He told the disciples to get in their boat and go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (verse 22).

After the people left, Jesus went up on the mountain to pray. While Jesus was praying, His disciples were struggling against a powerful wind, though majority of his disciples were experienced and seasoned fishermen, they could not manage. Seeing the situation of His disciples, Jesus went to them walking on the water. (Mark 6:48). Our God Responds even before we ask or seek him. HE first loved us.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake (verse 25). Not realizing who He was, they cried out, “It is a ghost!” (verse 26). They were terrified of the figure approaching them in the middle of the sea. “But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid’” (verse 27). Would we be able to recognize HIM in the midst of our storm? The disciples who were always with him could not, then how it would be for seasonal believers? Draw close to him! To know HIM!

There are two things to note here
He is watching over us. (Mark 6:48, Seeing the situation Jesus went walking on the water)
Storms are a test to our obedience and faith. We are in the storm by divine instructions. Jesus said to them “Get into the boat” (verse 22). He knew the storm was coming. God put us in the storm to test our faith.

We could have silence in midst of the storm, but be assured, HE is watching over us and it our test to our obedience and faith. We are in HIS divine instructions.

Out of the twelve disciples, only Peter’s fear quickly turned into faith with action. He said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water” (verse 28). Jesus said, “Come,” and Peter took a step out of the boat without sinking (verse 29).

Faith is a strong belief in God and trust that He will do what He said. Without faith it’s impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) We can have faith, but we need to demonstrate the faith into action to please God.