Trusting in God's Voice and Strength: A Journey of Faith

As parents, we often become attuned to the unique voices of our children. We can instantly recognize the excited, loud tone of our son or the gentle cadence of our daughter. Similarly, in our relationship with God, it is crucial that we learn to recognize His voice amidst the noise and distractions of our lives.

In the passage from Matthew 14, we see the disciples struggling to hear Jesus' voice as they were "troubled, far away from land, for a strong wind had risen and they were fighting heavy waves." Yet, when Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, I am here," Peter was able to identify the voice of his Lord and respond, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you walking on the water." Peter's ability to recognize Jesus' voice allowed him to take the bold step of faith and walk on the water.

Just as the disciples needed to be quiet enough to hear Jesus' voice, we too must make time to listen for God's guidance amidst the chaos of our lives. By prioritizing time in God's Word and in prayer, we can become attuned to His voice, learning to distinguish it from the many other voices that seek to lead us astray.

As Peter stepped out of the boat and began walking on the water, he demonstrated a remarkable faith in Jesus' ability to sustain him. However, when he took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on the wind and the waves, he began to sink. This serves as a powerful reminder that our strength and security come not from our own abilities, but from our trust in the One who is truly able.

There have been times in our lives when we have tried to tackle challenges on our own, believing that our own skills and efforts would be enough. But like the failed attempt to fix the door dings on the car, our own efforts often fall short, leaving us feeling frustrated and defeated. It is only when we surrender our plans and our perceived strengths to God, trusting in His power and provision, that we can truly accomplish what He has called us to do.

The apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 3:20 that God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." When we keep our focus on God's ability rather than our own limitations, we open the door for Him to work in ways that far exceed our expectations.

As Peter began to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" This simple, heartfelt plea for help is a powerful example of the kind of prayer that God delights to answer. When we find ourselves in over our heads, facing circumstances that seem too overwhelming to navigate, our best response is to call on the name of the Lord.

The story of my son Aidan and the thin ice on the pond illustrates this principle beautifully. One day while playing on the ice of a pond, my son's foot went through the ice. When Aidan found himself in a precarious situation, his immediate reaction was to call out to his father for help. As I was right there, I reached out to help him and got him out of there. He looked up and waited for me, not wanting to push himself further into the ice. Similarly, when we find ourselves in spiritual or emotional "holes," the wisest thing we can do is to cry out to our Heavenly Father, trusting that He is able and willing to rescue us.

As the worship song "Oceans" reminds us, even when our "feet may fail" and "fear surrounds" us, God's love and faithfulness never falter. He is the anchor for our souls, the one who can calm the storms and lift us out of the depths. By calling on His name, we acknowledge our need for His saving grace and open the door for Him to work mightily in our lives.

The story of Peter walking on the water is a powerful illustration of the ups and downs that characterize the life of faith. One moment, Peter is boldly stepping out in trust, the next, he is sinking in fear. This pattern of faith and doubt, courage and fear, is something that we all experience as we seek to follow Jesus.

The key is to not become discouraged by our moments of weakness or doubt, but to keep our eyes fixed on the one who is able to sustain us. Like Peter, we may sometimes take our eyes off Jesus and begin to sink, but if we cry out to Him, He will reach out and grab us, reminding us of His unfailing love and power.

As we navigate the twists and turns of our faith journeys, let us hold fast to the truth that God's voice is always there to guide us, His strength is sufficient to carry us, and His name is the only one that can truly save us. By keeping our focus on Jesus, we can walk with confidence, even when the waves threaten to overwhelm us.

The story of Peter walking on the water is a powerful reminder that the Christian life is one of both faith and trust. As we learn to recognize God's voice, rely on His strength, and call upon His name, we can face the challenges and uncertainties of life with a steadfast hope and courage that comes only from our Savior.

Whether you find yourself stepping out in bold faith or struggling to keep your head above the waves, remember that Jesus is there, reaching out His hand and inviting you to keep your eyes fixed on Him. By doing so, you will discover that even when your feet may fail, His love and faithfulness will never let you down.