Ready:
“Come!” He said.
And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” –Matthew 14:29-31
Set:
Last night, when my two year old stood on his bed in a playful mood, I encouraged him to jump to me; but did not put my hands out . . . yet. His face went from joy to fear as he looked at the elements. The bed was high—the floor was low.
As an athlete, we can be filled with indecision at times. We want to step up to help the team, but fear and doubt hold us back. In basketball, a coach will put a player on the floor to shoot, but if he or she hesitates, the opportunity passes away. Why do we fear and doubt when the coach has confidence we can do the job?
Peter was the same way. When he saw Christ walking on the water, he wanted to be with Him but was afraid. When Jesus said, “Come,” Peter tried, but failed and had to be helped out of his disbelief.
Evan had a decision to make. Would he trust his father or let fear hold him back. In his mind, he was saying, “Daddy, catch me,” but in his heart, he had fear until his father’s arms opened to catch him. Now is the time to jump into our Heavenly Father’s arms with confidence. He will always catch us!
Go:
1. When, as a player, do you have doubts?
2. Do you need to trust your coach more?
3. Do you feel you can jump into your Heavenly Father’s arms?
2. Do you need to trust your coach more?
3. Do you feel you can jump into your Heavenly Father’s arms?
Workout:
Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 10:11-13; 15:13; Hebrews 11
Overtime:
Lord, today I choose to trust You. I pray against the fear that holds me back. Help me keep my eyes focused on You. Thank You for catching me when I jump out in faith. Amen.