Taking That Step Of Faith

Tuesday, August 19

Mark 6:48-51 (NKJV)
“Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.”
Devotion

In Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Franklin spoke about ‘The Power of Going A Little Further’. If we desire to see the Lord’s miraculous hand upon our lives, the next step we must take, must be a step of faith. It will cause us to go a little further, go beyond our own human understanding, but will be based upon a trust in Him and what He has said. When we take that step, He never lets us down.

Today’s passage describes the disciples straining, rowing against a stormy sea. Jesus walks on the water towards them, intending (translated-‘wishing’) to pass them by. Because faith is what turns the head of Jesus, not unbelief. The disciples, terrified at the sight of Jesus walking on the water, think he is a ghost. Forgetting the miracle they witnessed that day and the deity that Jesus is, the bible says their hearts were hardened. Unbelief set in.  

We need to ponder what faith looks like. In the miracle of the two fishes and five loaves, Jesus prepared to feed the five thousand people by taking steps of faith. He first instructed the disciples to organize the people in groups of 50 and 100. He then took what was available at hand, prayed to the Father, blessed it, and broke it for the disciples to distribute. The disciples by faith, then took the food and gave it to the people. They also took part of the miracle that day.

The lesson learned that if we approach God in faith, pray over what is in our hand, God will work the miracle. We may even be part of that miracle. It behooves the one drawing near to God, to believe that He exists; and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him out. (Hebrews 11:6) Go a little further and take that step of faith. His loving, trustworthy, and faithful character will respond to it. Jesus will never leave us and will never disappoint.

Today’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding me that faith pleases You and draws Your presence into my situation. Forgive me for the times I have allowed fear, doubt, or unbelief to harden my heart. Today, I choose to take a step of faith, no matter how small it may seem, trusting that You are with me in every storm. Strengthen me to go a little further, beyond my own understanding, and to believe that You are faithful to perform what You have promised. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Identify one area in your life where you’ve been hesitant or afraid to move forward. Take a practical step of faith in that area this week—pray over what is in your hand, act in obedience to God’s Word, and trust Him to multiply your effort.

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