Great Faith (Mt. 14:22-33)

Read Matthew 14:22-33.

1. Great faith isn't afraid to test or attempt things.  Why?  It knows Jesus is near and acts upon His invitation.
2. Great faith is exercised alone.  No one else stood up and climbed out of the boat with Peter.
3. Great faith is stirred spontaneously at the awareness of Jesus' presence.  There is no record that Peter gave any prior thought to walking on water.
4. Great faith is exercised amid great turbulence.  When Peter got out of the boat, the situation was dark, late and stormy.
5. Great faith can easily become little faith due to distraction.  At the beginning of his walking on water, Peter looked at Jesus only.  Later, Peter looked at the threatening wind.  The way to minimize doubt is to maintain focus on Jesus.

Opportunity Within The Obstacle (Mt. 14:25-33)

Read Matthew 14:25-33.

When the "storm" of life is fierce, and the "wind" of adversity is howling, there could be opportunity for you to do something you never attempted, something others would avoid.  During the storm and wind, Peter walked on water as he responded to Jesus' invitation.  This account ranks as Peter's finest attempt (His sermon in Ac. 2:14-36 isn't bad either.)  One of his finest accomplishments happened in one of his most threatening moments.

Are you in one of life's "storms" right now?  Is the howling "wind" of adversity threatening your hope?  Within the obstacle could be an opportunity.