IncreaseSample

Increase in Overcoming Offense

This Bible verse is very familiar to many Christians, but some simple truths can be overlooked when we just hear or read the story. I am going to draw out some of the truths I believe the Lord has shared with me, in hopes that they will also speak to you.

As we see in this scripture, Jesus asked the disciples to do something very familiar to them (cross to the other side of the lake). Understand that when faith is applied, it leads to something supernatural, for example, Peter walking on water. Even in your most familiar spaces, the storms of life can still hit. Has there ever been a time, even in these familiar spaces, when there was a testing of your faith?

In verse 28, Peter stepped out of the boat, and when he began to sink, Jesus grabbed him and told him, “You have so little faith!?" At that moment, Peter had a great opportunity to be offended when, in fact, he was the only one who had the faith enough to actually step out of the boat. It does not feel good to be rebuked or corrected, but we have to allow ourselves to be corrected to reach the full potential God has for us. Would you consider yourself to be highly offended? Are you the type of person who does not step out of the boat, not because you are afraid of the wind and waves, but because you are afraid of being corrected?

After Jesus and Peter climbed back into the boat, the Bible explains that the disciples worshiped Jesus and truly exclaimed that He really is the Son of God. Because of one man's faith and obedience, something supernatural happened, and others came to believe in Jesus and worship Him.

Reflection and Application:

1. What is familiar to you? No matter the season of life you are in, whether you are a student who attends school regularly, an employee who does the same thing every day, or a stay-at-home mom who has a daily routine, you can apply these thoughts to your day-to-day. Ask yourself, do you step out in faith and complete the task that God has called you to do?

2. Do you consider yourself to be highly offendable? If so, take a moment to ask God to show you why. Reflect on the last time you were corrected and how it affected you. Do you still hold resentment or unforgiveness toward that person or shame and guilt toward yourself? Ask God right now to help you forgive that person or yourself.

3. In what area of your life is God asking you to step out of the boat in faith so that others can come to know and worship Jesus?

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for showing me, through your Word, some areas in my life where I can grow in faith. Help me to step out of the boat in faith to whatever you are calling me to. I ask that you remind me not to be afraid or discouraged, because I know you are with me wherever I go. Help me to not be offended when I am corrected. Send me, Lord, and use me so that others can come to know you and worship you. In Jesus' name, AMEN