Taking a Step of Faith
Central Thought: Faith in a believer’s life determines what he becomes.
Text: Matthew 14:23-33
At the beckon of Christ, Peter took a step of faith, which was honored as long as his eyes were on Christ Jesus. The Lord expects us to do likewise, for it is written, “the just shall live by faith”, Hebrews 10:38. In this study, we shall have a closer look at how to practically live by faith, using the experience of Peter as an example.
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What do you understand by “taking a step of faith”?
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen, Hebrews 11:1. To take a step means to move forward or go ahead to do something. Taking a step of faith therefore means daring to act on what seems impossible to the natural eye or taking an actual step in the direction one believes that God is leading him or her in order to achieve the desired goal.
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Explain the circumstances that led to Peter walking on top of water. Matthew 14:23-29
The disciples were in a ship on the sea which was being tossed with waves because the wind was contrary. At the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went to meet them, walking on the sea. As the disciples cried out for fear, Jesus told them to be of good cheer and not to fear that He was the one. Peter then said, “Lord if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water” and Jesus said “come”. Then Peter went out of the ship and walked on water to meet Jesus before he started to sink out of fear.
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What qualities can you identify in Peter that made him walk on water?
Peter was bold, fearless, humble, obedient to his master and courageous and had and unwavering faith on Jesus. He later confessed that Jesus is the Christ; the son of the living God, Matthew 16:16. Peter trusted Christ with the assurance that “if Jesus bid him come, he would come even to walk on the water.”
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Why did he start sinking? Matthew 14:30-31
“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid. . .”, v. 30. Peter started sinking when he removed his faith on Christ and lost focus. This can be likened to circumstances of life faced by believers. He was afraid forgetting that Jesus was also standing on the same water.
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What action did Peter take when his faith faltered?
“. . . and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me”, v.30b. Peter immediately called on Jesus to save him and Jesus responded. Peter’s case here is like any other believer who has answered the call of God to follow Jesus. The water and wind represents the troubles of life believers face. But as long as we hold fast to the promises of God that He will not leave us nor forsake us, we are sure to overcome. Moreover, trials and challenges of life are necessary ingredients/tools that make true believers climb the ladder of Christian life in order to be fit for the kingdom and to prove ones loyalty to Christ who also suffered, leaving us an example that we should follow His footsteps. They are not to make us turn our back against Christ. God has promised that no temptation that comes to us will be able to overcome us rather He will give us a way to escape.
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What practical step of faith do you advice the under listed to take? Psalm 24:1, 23:1-6, 37:5
Unemployed/underemployed: The unemployed/underemployed should prayerfully seek employment knowing that only God can provide a job for His children.
Students/Admission Seekers: The students and those seeking admission should study hard while trusting God for success. They should attend classes, do their assignments/tests and endeavor to write their exams with full assurance and confidence that they will pass.
Unmarried Matured Brethren: “Marriage is honorable in all”, Hebrews 13:4. He that findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtaineth favor from God. The matured unmarried brothers while standing on God’s word and promise should prayerfully and through God’s leading, approach the sisters and allow them to decide. At the same time they should gradually prepare to start a new home while the unmarried sisters should wait on the Lord for His perfect will for them as they also prepare to start their new homes.
Business Minded with no Capital: Such individuals should make plans, budget the amount to be used and table it to God who without prejudice will answer because the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. God expects such people to commit their works to Him and He shall establish their thoughts.
The Sick/Handicapped: The history and act of God since creation shows that healing and health is God’s will for His children. This has been an integral part of His covenant with His people and blessing upon those that will be obedient to His word, Exodus 15:26, 23:25-26; Deuteronomy 7:12-15; 3 John 2. What God desires is the prosperity of our souls, i.e. proper knowledge of His word and His ways/dealings with man, and then He will take care of the rest.
Those with various projects: Wisdom is better than strength. Believers with various projects should continuously depend on God’s wisdom and directive to success.
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Discuss, how we can get committed to God and improve on ourselves this New Year. Philippians 3:13-15
“Brethren I count not myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. . .” Forgetting the past failures, weaknesses and successes in the service of God and pressing forward will help us improve ourselves in future. To achieve this, we should continuously abide in Christ, Psalm 91:1; John 15:1-5. We should find out the area of our calling as individuals and prayerfully follow on. We should be watchful to avoid dabbling into other people’s calling and avoid compromise of any kind, Matthews 26:41; Job 32:21. We should diligently study and mediate on the word of God and be resolutely committed to keeping the terms of the divine covenant. We should also accept corrections whenever we make mistakes. Many believers will always want it their own way; this is wrong.
Daily Living Application:
Peter actually walked on water until he took his eyes off Jesus and looked on the storm. Faith in a believer’s life determines what they will become. Patriarchs Abraham, Jacob, Job, Shedrach, Meshack and Abednego, Esther, Ruth, etc., exercised unfeigned faith in God and having obtained a good report . . . are “not made perfect without us”, Hebrews 11:39-40. They are all waiting for those that will overcome. So if your faith says yes, God will not say no. Therefore, take a step of faith today, God will do the rest.
Memory Verse:
Hebrews 10:38 – “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draws back my soul have no pleasure in him”