Radical Requests

Rise and Shine for Jesus! \O/

By Pam Iannello (my late mother)

"Radical Requests"

Did you ever sit back, observe another brother or sister in the Lord going through a trial, and wonder how you would handle that same situation? Have you ever envied people for their trials and victories? Do you ever wonder just how strong your faith in God really is? Peter did, and it was a real eye opener for him…

Matthew 14:24-28 (KJV)

But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

There are four little words residing in the text above that furnish us with Peter’s estimation of himself. They are, "Lord, IF IT BE THOU...” What does that phrase reveal to us but the instability that existed within Peter's heart! If you’ll notice, this idea of walking on water originated with Peter himself, not with God! For some reason he desired to be openly challenged in a very dramatic way yet he was not absolutely positive he was addressing Christ! Ladies, have you ever hoped to experience some sort of unique trial just so you could add some impact to your testimony? Have you ever petitioned God to place undue pressures upon you so as to impress others with the attributes of your own character? Have you ever hoped the Lord would grant you a bazaar assignment that no other saint had dared accept just so you could have your own “God” story? Are you the kind that can’t wait to go through something terribly extraordinary so other servants of the Lord will think you’re a one-of-a-kind woman? As is the case with Peter, we had better be aware of the status of our faith before we wish for such radical things!

James 1:6 (KJV)

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Despite the fact that all the other disciples were crying out with fear, Peter decided he was going to ride on the waves of this outstanding dilemma and surf into spiritual stardom. Little did Peter realize that his radical request was born of the flesh, not of the Spirit! Peter was obviously certain he could cope with the mission he chose for himself though he clearly lacked faith in God. Yes, this was a man who was quite used to the sea and also a very good swimmer so he was in his comfort zone. In fact, if he didn’t think he could tackle the task of walking on water, it is doubtful Peter would have announced those daring details before all the other disciples in the boat. He truly believed they were about to witness his fitness as a child of God. But Jesus knew, didn’t He? And He took Peter up on his offer…

Haste, Not Waste - Rise & Shine For Jesus - KJV Ladies Audio Devotional

Matthew 14:29-31 (KJV)

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Excited that Jesus had granted him a chance to exhibit his spirituality; Peter had every intention of making it across the water to Him. But almost immediately something came up that he hadn’t anticipated – the wind picked up and so did his fear, which put him in the same boat as the rest of the disciples… Thus, Peter began to sink under his own presuppositions and quickly realized the significance of faith in God. In next to no time Peter discovered that he didn’t possess a fraction of what was necessary to stay on top of things! It was all too much for him… Notice also that Jesus permitted Peter to sink a bit and then informed him afterward that his faith was inadequate. Perhaps Peter wouldn’t have received this truth till he had a chance to test his self-reliance. Whatever the case may be, I like how the Lord utilizes our own ideas to subdue our good opinion of ourselves!

Matthew 14:32-33 (KJV)

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. [33] Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Ladies, confidence in our flesh isn’t powerful enough to keep our heads above water – only faith in God can. True faith never attempts drastic things just for the sake of doing them. What are you focused on today, your own character or God’s? In summary, Jesus and Peter walked on the water together as Christ safely escorted him back to the ship and the company of the other disciples! A humble finish to a haughty start… In the end, Peter certainly had something remarkable to add to his own testimony, but I don’t think it’s what he had in mind! It seems Jesus received all the glory rather than Peter, and that’s the way every experience should conclude! Before you seek to live the life of an extremist you better check to see if you have what it takes to accomplish all you think you can. Better yet, why not just accept the fact we are all prone to fall and look to the Lord for your stability and capability. You don’t need to be extreme, just humble.

God Bless,

Pam

Isaiah 60:1&2

Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello

Revised 2006