As I think more about yesterday’s post, about walking out on that “knife edge”…
The story of Peter walking on water comes to mind.
It took courage to take the risk of stepping out of that boat.
He did not think of the risk involved until after he was out of the boat with both feet and committed to the task.
What caused his fear? and my fear?
Looking around at the surrounding danger.
Looking down and not up.
: :
Courage takes faith.
Courage takes trust.
As Christians, our courage is found in our faith in Christ.
As we walk in his will, there will be risks.
When He calls us to do something, He equips us for the task.
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord,
who hath enabled me,
for that he counted me faithful,
putting me into the ministry”
~1 Timothy 1:12
But how often do we forget that?
Fear comes when we look around and see the risk we have taken, taking our eyes off of Christ.
When we take our eyes off of Christ, fear and worry will settle in if we don’t follow Paul’s urging in Philippians 4.
“Be careful for nothing;
but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God,
which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
~Philippians 4:6&7
prayer + thanksgiving = peace
He follows it up in the next verse by telling us what we are to focus on instead:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise,
think on these things.“
~Philippians 4:8
(The phrase “focus on the positive” comes to mind.)
In the next verse Paul urges us to follow his example:
“Those things, which ye have
both learned,
and received,
and heard,
and seen in me,
do:
and the God of peace shall be with you.”
~Philippians 4:9
How often we find it helpful and encouraging to fellowship with someone who has walked a similar path and has done it successfully.
Isn’t that why God calls us to comfort and edify one another?
“Let us therefore follow after
the things which make for peace,
and things wherewith one may edify another.”
~ Romans 14:19
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another,”
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Edify means to teach, to guide, to instruct, to improve, to develop, to build.
How did Paul do it?
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
The one that enabled him, equipped him, 1 Timothy 1:12.
He followed Christ’s example, and we are to do the same.
