Why do we hesitate?

[Riverwalker]

Why do we hesitate when it comes to the things of God? He is God and He is good. And yet when he calls us out to the deep water we are often left at the edge of the lake dipping our toe in when we should be diving head first?

Matthew 14:

25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, [c]“Be of good cheer! [d]It is I; do not be afraid.”

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

29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

 

We are familiar with the story of Peter and walking on the water, and sometimes we focus on the fact that Peter lost his faith, but soon you come to realize he was the only one who got out the boat. All the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, but only Peter called out. And only Peter got out, and sure he failed, but Jesus was there to catch Him.  Peter was always the brave one, and the aash one. We criticize him for His lack of faith and  denying Christ. But he was the one who was close enough to the Lord to be recognized and accused, John was back with the women (Mary and Mary) and the other nine had scattered. 

We should try to emulate Peter, to jump out of the boat when Jesus calls us. Knowing that if our faith fails us, Jesus will be there to catch us.  Be bold in your faith, not timid, or things may pass you by.  Peter did come off looking bad from time to time, but pride and fear are terrible reasons to resist the call of the Lord 

 

Edited April 23, 2021 by Riverwalker

[Michael37]

13 minutes ago, Riverwalker said:

Why do we hesitate when it comes to the things of God? He is God and He is good. And yet when he calls us out to the deep water we are often left at the edge of the lake dipping our toe in when we should be diving head first?

Matthew 14:

25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, [c]“Be of good cheer! [d]It is I; do not be afraid.”

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

29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

We are familiar with the story of Peter and walking on the water, and sometimes we focus on the fact that Peter lost his faith, but soon you come to realize he was the only one who got out the boat. All the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, but only Peter called out. And only Peter got out, and sure he failed, but Jesus was there to catch Him.  Peter was always the brave one, and the aash one. We criticize him for His lack of faith and  denying Christ. But he was the one who was close enough to the Lord to be recognized and accused, John was back with the women (Mary and Mary) and the other nine had scattered. 

We should try to emulate Peter, to jump out of the boat when Jesus calls us. Knowing that if our faith fails us, Jesus will be there to catch us.  Be bold in your faith, not timid, or things may pass you by.  Peter did come off looking bad from time to time, but pride and fear are terrible reasons to resist the call of the Lord 

Aside from various proverbs that tell us such things as fools rush in where angels fear to tread, he who hesitates is lost, and haste makes waste, if we ask the Lord to command us, as Peter did, you are right, Riverwalker, when He does just that we should comply straight away.

[Riverwalker]

2 hours ago, Michael37 said:

if we ask the Lord to command us, as Peter did,

Or if He just commands us unbidden?

[Michael37]

2 hours ago, Riverwalker said:

Or if He just commands us unbidden?

I might pause and ask," Seriously?"