January 22, 2014: Is That You, Lord? Or Not...

Matthew 14:22-36

Amplified Bible (AMP)

22 Then He directed the disciples to get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent away the crowds.

23 And after He had dismissed the multitudes, He went up into the hills by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was still there alone.

24 But the boat was by this time out on the sea, many furlongs [a furlong is one-eighth of a mile] distant from the land, beaten and tossed by the waves, for the wind was against them.

25 And in the fourth watch [between 3:00—6:00 a.m.] of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, It is a ghost! And they screamed out with fright.

27 But instantly He spoke to them, saying, Take courage! I Am! Stop being afraid!

28 And Peter answered Him, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.

29 He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus.

30 But when he perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me [from death]!

31 Instantly Jesus reached out His hand and caught and held him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?

32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

33 And those in the boat knelt and worshiped Him, saying, Truly You are the Son of God!

34 And when they had crossed over to the other side, they went ashore at Gennesaret.

35 And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent around into all the surrounding country and brought to Him all who were sick

36 And begged Him to let them merely touch the fringe of His garment; and as many as touched it were perfectly restored.

Are you flailing? Are you sinking? Maybe Jesus said, "Come!", and, excitedly and full of faith, you obeyed. But suddenly you felt fear and doubt. 

And now you're thinking, "Wait a minute, was that really God talking to me? Or was I just caught up in a moment?"

If you're getting out on waters where you've never been before, TOTALLY out of your comfort zone, it's very likely God's voice you are hearing. Of course, you will feel a little odd. It's perfectly okay.

INSTANTLY, Jesus reached out His hand and caught him and held him. He's right by your side. When Jesus says "Come!", just GO!

I just thought of more COME verses.

Matthew 11:28

Amplified Bible (AMP)

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]

Revelation 22:17

Amplified Bible (AMP)

17 The [Holy] Spirit and the bride (the church, the true Christians) say, Come! And let him who is listening say, Come! And let everyone come who is thirsty [who is painfully conscious of his need of those things by which the soul is refreshed, supported, and strengthened]; and whoever [earnestly] desires to do it, let him come, take, appropriate, and drink the water of Life without cost.

Isaiah 55:1

Amplified Bible (AMP)

55 Wait and listen, everyone who is thirsty! Come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Yes, come, buy [priceless, spiritual] wine and milk without money and without price [simply for the self-surrender that accepts the blessing].

They begged Him to let them touch the hem of His garment. Maybe they didn't feel worthy of  touch from the Master. So they got down on their hands and knees and touched His clothes. Do you feel unworthy? It's okay. Wherever you are, simply fall on your knees right now and grab the hem of His robe. You will be made whole! Just do it! 

The next time Pastor says, "Come to the altar for healing and salvation!", step out in faith. Jesus is waiting. Fall on your knees and grab just the hem of His garment. He will honor Your humble act of faith and you will be completely restored.

Pray this prayer with me now.

"Jesus, I want to step out on faith! I'm a little scared. Not sure what I'm scared of. Maybe I've been disappointed so many times that I'm afraid to believe. Please help my unbelief! I want to believe! Help me to step out on the waters where I've never been. I ask for complete restoration! I am reaching for the hem of Your garment right now, Lord! I worship You! I am so unworthy of Your love. I have doubted so many times. Please forgive me for doubting. Thank You for the miracles You are doing in me right now. Thank You for continuing to say, "Come!" You are my only hope, Jesus. My only hope. AMEN."