20 Days with Peter: Day 3 - Launching into the deep

2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. Luke 5:2-11

Peter had a divine appointment with God. It is amazing how God meets us when we are empty, when what we set out to do fails. Peter was an experienced fisherman but with all his skill and experience he could not catch one fish that night. Peter was empty but as he sat on his boat listening to the teaching of Jesus something ignited within him. This man was no normal man. His words began to fill Peter and when Jesus was done teaching, He turned to Peter to put the words to action. It was time for a demonstration. Even though Peter had worked all night with no results he obeyed the word of Jesus and had the biggest catch of his life.

Peter learned that day that obedience to God’s word pays off. Peter had received the biggest catch of fish but he could not take his eyes off of Jesus. He turned from his profession, followed Jesus. What is amazing is God met Peter where he was. God revealed that his life’s purpose was to draw men into the net of God’s love.

Don’t be afraid to launch into the deep. God has something special to reveal to you. You have a calling on your life that no one else is meant to answer. Surrender to your call. You are more than a worker, you are more than a servant, you are a child of God. God bless you.

20 Days with Peter: Day 2 - A little faith

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Matthew 14: 24-31

Peter walked on water, something no other person since has done. First things first, imagine being on the ship with the wind going crazy and Jesus is not on the ship with you. The disciples had to have questioned why Jesus told them to get on this boat without Him. Then out of nowhere they see a “spirit” and they know they are in trouble. But to their surprise this “spirit” claims to be the Messiah, telling them to not be afraid. Then Peter has a NOW moment. He sees the “spirit” and wants to come meet on the water. Jesus tells him to Come and Peter does the impossible, he walks on water.

Okay how do you get from that to a little faith? Peter was so bold to step out onto the water, while the other disciples stayed on the ship. He went alone to be with God. That takes great faith, to go against the norm and you have no one support your desires. Peter walked on the water reflecting what Jesus was already doing. But as he was doing the impossible, he allowed the circumstances around him to distract him from his NOW moment. His desire was to walk to Jesus on the water but he was focusing on the wind and fear took root in him. In fear, he could no longer walk by faith.

You see, our walk with God is all by faith. What we see, like the wind is working against where we are going. Jesus has placed us on our journey but we are constantly met with resistance. We want to live by faith but fear keeps knocking at the door. Regardless of the circumstances if we look unto Jesus we will do the impossible. Peter was human, he had doubts and fears. He needed Jesus to save him when he was sinking. We need God to save us when we lose our focus.

Don’t be afraid for God is with you. He is regarding your situation and in spite of all the chaos around you, He has given you access to heaven. Keep your eyes on Christ and your faith will keep you walking on top of life.