We often involve God in our decisions after we have made them. We come up with a plan, put it into action, then expect God’s blessing and help to fulfill our desires. There is nothing wrong with having desires and wanting to see them come to pass, however, we need to be sure that we are operating in the will of God. Often our plans can become derailed in the midst of our efforts, and that is when we call on God to help us in our time of need. If we are not in alignment with God’s will, we cannot have the expectation of the Lord’s help.
Peter was the Impetuous Apostle, he was a man that like to take charge, many times he would speak or act without thinking about what he was saying or doing. There was one instance, however, that he sought the Lord before making a move. The disciples were caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee, and Jesus came walking to them on the water. The disciples were all afraid and Jesus calmed them.
Matthew 14:27-31 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
- Peter had a dream or a vision. He wanted to walk on the water to Christ. Who knows the reason why, other than proving that the one walking on the water was the Lord.
- He asked for direction from the lord. In other words, he found out whether it was the will of the Lord to walk to Him. A good idea considering the conditions and what he desired to do.
- He failed in his faith. He almost saw his vision come completely to pass. He actually walked on the water, but the storm took his focus off the goal.
- He cried for help. He knew he was doing the Lord’s will, yet he began to sink, that is when he asked for the Lord to save him.
- He got an immediate response from the Lord. He had almost made the walk on the water to his goal. Jesus was close enough to reach down and save him from going under.
This is a great example for us today.
- Have a vision of what you want to accomplish for the Lord. Dream big!!
- Ask the Lord for direction. If it is His will, He will show you!
- There will be times when we will have a lack of faith, storms will be scary.
- Cry out during our times of doubt with the expectation of the Lord’s help.
- See the Lord respond to our need.
Friend, let’s not set the agenda and ask God to come along for the ride. He wants to show Himself powerful in our lives, we can have the expectation of His help as long as we are following and not leading. There used to be an old bumper sticker that said, “God is my Co-Pilot,” I never cared for that idea, because, if God isn’t flying the plane, you’re in trouble.