God Loves When People Try
Selected Scriptures
Matthew 14:23b-33 (NIV)
Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
The people who see God do the most amazing things are the people who are willing to keep trying.
1. Realize we are in a Partnership
Luke 9:1-6 (ESV)
And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal… And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
"Just because I'm called to do something, doesn't mean that I am good at it.". - Bill Johnson
God is not bothered by failure. He is extremely bothered by a fear that motivates a lack of effort.
2. Develop Propensity to Step Out
Propensity: An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way.
Matthew 14:28 (NIV)
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
Matthew 14:31 (NIV)
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
3. Prioritize being with Jesus and the Holy Spirit
Acts 9:40-41 (ESV)
Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.
Mark 5:40b-42a (NIV)
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old).
