Matthew 14:25-33 (NIV)
25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
29"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Do you know how it feels when you know that God is asking you to do something but you don't have the courage to break through the fear and follow Him in obedience to Holy Spirit's prompting? If you do, then you will have an idea of how I was feeling leading up to Christmas. All of the seasonal stuff was wonderful. Having my family together to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus; allowing ourselves to spoil each other with gifts and simply enjoying each others company - it was the best. At the same time I knew that I was not walking totally in step with the Holy Spirit so there was a dis-ease or disquiet in my soul.
What was it about?
I along with some friends from our emerging 24-7 Prayer community in Aberystwyth had viewed and prayed in a building in the centre of town for use as a permanent prayer room/base. I knew that I was to make an offer but was coming up with excuses as to why not to do it. I was actually paralysed with fear! After being in bed with the 'flu' for 5 days I emerged knowing that I was to get on with it. The Lord spoke to me. He said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." He delivered me from my fears - and.....I've offered the owner £5K less than the asking price (the figure that both I and a friend heard in our spirits). I'm now waiting on God to place it on the owners heart to bless us. I know that I have nothing at all to loose, least of all my reputation because it is the Lord's idea and so He will provide. I've stepped out of the boat, I'm enjoying the process and don't feel even the tips of my toes getting wet. I'm simply trusting God in this. If I take my eyes off Jesus I'll sink, so I'm fixing my eyes on Him and whatever He wills I'll do for His glory.
