If you want to walk on water…..Get OUT of the Boat!

We had a great service at OakLeaf this morning on the story of Noah using the movie Evan Almighty as the backdrop.  We all remember the story of Noah as children but our pastor put a new spin on the story today that I really liked.

Michael made the point that the story of Noah is more about faith in action than the story of the flood itself.  Many times in our life we wait to hear from God instead of acting in accordance with the directions that HE has already given us through his Holy word.  GOD could have simply willed the Ark into existence but he chose to work through Noah.

Michael’s sermon reminded me of the story of Peter in Matthew 14:22-32.  This is when Jesus comes to the disciples by walking on the water.  The men were afraid and Peter said to Jesus “Lord if its you….tell me to come to you on the water”.  Peter stepped out onto the water and walked toward Jesus. 

Peter did not pray about getting up out of the boat he just did it.  For a few brief moments Peter walked on water until his Faith was challenged by his Fear.  Even though Peter began to sink when the winds got worse this is still a story of courage and faith.  God never promised that obedience to his directions would come without fear but he did provide the ultimate “lifeline” in the form of his son Jesus Christ.  Jesus stuck out his hand and the storms ended and Peter stopped sinking.  Take heart in knowing Jesus stands beside us when we step out of the boat and choose to follow him! 

Peter walked on water & Noah rode out the most improbable flood on a boat no one thought was necessary.  The string that binds these stories together is “Faith in Action” and knowing when to listen to the specific instructions of God.

I know that I am going to do a better job this week listening to God’s specific directives for my life.  To steal a line from the pastor……There is a time to be on your knees  in prayer and a time to get off of them and get busy doing the work of God!  I pray that God gives me the discernment to understand the difference.