Step Toward Jesus

In the last several messages, we consider the faith of Peter as he
stepped out of the boat and walked on the water. We saw the
importance of properly hearing the call and of keeping our eyes
focused on our Lord as the waves are crashing at our feet. This
story contains many lessons for our walk with Christ. But a lesson
which is often overlooked is the motivation of our heart.

We know that the heart contains our true character and true
relationship with our Heavenly Father. When God was showing Samuel
who to anoint as king of Israel He reminded him: "The Lord does not
look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). Our outward
actions are a "reflection" of the condition of our heart; but they
are not a true image and they can most certainly deceive!

God saw this deception in the worship of His Children long ago. We
are all susceptible to the trap of going through the motions of
worship without really having a heart devoted to God: "These people
come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but
their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is made up only of
rules taught by men" (Isaiah 29:13).

Yes, without considering the heart we lose the real message of Peter
getting out of the boat. These words become just another
self-gratifying motivational speech for those who want to climb up
another rung of the ladder: "If you want to go further and accomplish
more, you must leave the security of the boat!" Taking a "step of
faith" will often lead to "successful" advancement in worldly as well
as ministry endeavors, but neither are pleasing to God without the
proper heart.

We sometimes forget that there was another time when Peter got out of
the boat, but this time Jesus was a little distance away standing on the shore.

John 21:7
"As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, 'It is the Lord,' he wrapped
his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped
into the water."

Peter wasn't motivated by the thrill of walking on the water, not by
the praise he might receive from the other disciples or even by the
thought of doing something wonderful for God. Peter got out of the
boat simply because that's where Jesus was; and walk, sink or swim,
he desired to be with the one he loved.

Let's pray for an increased faith which allows us to follow more
closely after Jesus. Let's pray for the courage to leave the
confines of our worldly security and follow where Jesus is
calling. But let's diligently examine our heart and make sure that
with EVERY step, we abandon all and step toward Jesus.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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Scripture references: The Holy Bible: New International Version.
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Lorena, TX 76655
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