Rather be a wet water walker than a dry boat sitter
Be an active God glorifying Christian, step out of your comfort zone.
Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation
– Andrew Murray
I can not “But God” can
By
Pastor George Lehman
Oral Roberts (the important thing is not the size of your faith
It’s the One behind your faith – God Himself
Never try to have more faith – Just get to know God better and because God is faithful, the better you know Him, the more you’ll trust Him. Your faith will increase!!
Matthew 14:27–33 (NIV) – 27But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28”Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29”Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why do you doubt?” 32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Note this: Peter would never even have considered climbing out of that boat if it wasn’t for his complete trust and faith in Jesus.
Example of a little girl whose daddy says jump into the water I’ll catch you.
The size of her trust determines her response.
Trust says – Jump; Fear says – No
You see, it’s more than just her fears or confidence – (you must want to!!) Get out of your comfort zone
It’s the spark of the will, which determines her destiny.
The moment you and I take the step towards your heavenly Daddy you’ll find “He is more than able”
Your confidence will grow, your faith will grow, and the size of your God will grow.
Matthew 14:27 – “Take courage; it is I.” The words Jesus used here: – Matthew wants us to understand. – The actual Greek translation used, the – Self Revealed Name of God – “I AM who I AM”
Exodus 3:14 – And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM and WHAT I AM, AND I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.”
Revelation 1:17B – 18
17B Do not be afraid; I AM the first and the last.
18 I AM the living one; I was dead, and behold I AM alive for ever and ever, and I hold the keys to death and hell.”
Hebrews 13:5 “I AM” will never leave you nor forsake you, or fail you, nor give you up nor relax My hold on you (assuredly not).
I want you to think about this: – (you will be able to take this with you for the rest of your life)
The size of your God you serve right now: –
Is directly proportional (verhouding) to your
a) Trust in Him
b) Commitment level
c) Prayer life
d) Bible reading plan
e) Worship of God
f) And may I say your obedience to God as well.
I really strongly believe that: –
The way you and I live our Christian lives is a consequence (uitwerking) of the size of our God.
The problem many of us have is: -That our God is too small.
We are not convinced that we are:
Absolutely safe in the hands of a fully competent all knowing all powerful ever present more than enough God.
Do you know what happens when you wake up in the morning and begin to live with a small God? You’ll be a dry boat sitter
You live in fear, uncertainties, defeat, anxiety, constant failure. and live in lack of victory. We are called to have an abundant life
Because everything depends on you and not God.
They say when you are all wrapped up in yourself you make a pretty small package
Our moods are governed by our circumstances. When our God is small
If things go well – you’re well
If things are great – you’re great
If things are difficult – you’re miserable and negative.
We even become very un-spiritual.
We actually shock ourselves to hear what comes out of our mouths – many times.
Even further, if our God is small, we cannot give generously because our financial security depends on us.
The fact is when we shrink God we offer
Prayer without faith
Work without passion
Suffering without Hope
We lose vision
We fail to persevere and endure
Giving up is always an option
Joshua and Caleb with the other 10 Israelites (12 men go into the promised land)
“10 boat sitters, 2 water walkers”
10 saw big giants Joshua and Caleb saw a Big God
Israel saw a giant – David saw a Big God
This same Joshua at the huge walls of Jericho
They saw the walls were the height of 3-story building and 2 chariots could ride side by side on top op it.
But Joshua’s God was bigger than any problem he faced –
His God with him was bigger than life
We have One with us who says – courage – I AM don’t be afraid
Jeremiah 20:11 (LB) – The Lord stands beside me, like a great warrior.
“I AM” a Big God who really Loves you – and cares for you.
Just attending church once a week or even having a daily quite time, little bit of on and off bible reading
(Will never grow a close relationship with God)
Friendship with God is built by sharing all your life experiences with Him.
God wants more than an appointment in your daily schedule
He wants to be included in every activity, every conversation every problem.
He wants us to meditate on His word (Focussed thinking).
Psalm 25:14 (LB) – Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence Him. With them alone He shares the secrets of His promises.
Once again right now is your chance of a lifetime.
Decide to get out your boat and ask your Great Big, wonderful God to strengthen your faith to see Him as He is in your life.
As He wants you to experience Him – The Great “I AM” –
Question is: –
“How Big is Your God?”
How long have you been a dry boat sitter?
You’re saved, you know Jesus but that’s all you can say.
There’s no real faith actions, no real growth.
