Since we have been under a shelter-in-place order, we have Zoom meetings online. Since mid-March we have had various speakers and for the last several weeks we have recorded their lessons, and so they are online for our visitors to enjoy.
This reference was suggested by one of our congregational members.
Fear
FAITH IS OFTEN the child of fear.
Fear propelled Peter out of the boat. He'd ridden these waves before. He knew what these storms could do. He'd heard the stories. He'd seen the wreckage. He knew the widows. He knew the storm could kill. And he wanted out. …
Look into his eyes tonight and see fear — suffocating, heart-racing fear of a man who has no way out.
But out of this fear would be born an act of faith, for faith is often the child of fear.
If Peter had seen Jesus walking on the water during a calm, peaceful day, do you think that he would have walked out to him?
Nor do I.
Had the lake been carpet smooth and the journey pleasant, do you think that Peter would have begged Jesus to take him on a stroll across the top of the water? Doubtful.
But give a man a choice between sure death and a crazy chance, and he'll take the chance … every time.
Great acts of faith are seldom born out of calm calculation.
It wasn't logic that caused Moses to raise his staff on the bank of the Red Sea.1
It wasn't medical research that convinced Naaman to dip seven times in the river.2
It wasn't common sense that caused Paul to abandon the Law and embrace grace.3
And it wasn't a confident committee that prayed in a small room in Jerusalem for Peter's release from prison.4 It was a fearful, desperate, band of backed-into-a-corner believers. It was a church with no options. A congregation of have-nots pleading for help.
And never were they stronger.
At the beginning of every act of faith, there is often a seed of fear.
1. Exodus 14:15-16
2. 2 Kings 5:13-14
3. Romans 3
4. Acts 12:6-17
