Jesus WILL Call Your Bluff

I had the honor and pleasure of hearing a good friend of mine speak at a weekend service at church. He spoke on the story of Jesus walking on water and during this message God spoke a specific thought to me. So I give my friend credit for this message as it spoke to me, just a little different than how he had expected!When he was reading the story of Jesus walking on water, and Peter attempting the same, something stuck out to me. Let me explain. But first, here are the verses I want to focus on.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” "Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 

Matthew 14:25-30

I  believe that Peter didn't really believe it was Jesus at first. If he did, he wouldn't have asked for proof. Peter was asking for something so impossible that he knew he wouldn't have to make good on it. As soon as Jesus responded "COME" to Peter, the whole game changed!

Related Post: Feelings vs. Faith: Fighting a Spiritual Battle

Now Peter's bluff had been called, and he had to either take a big step of faith or continue to not believe. You can see in the story that Peter took the next step, and while that was the most important part, he ultimately took his eyes off Jesus enough to fall. But Jesus was there to save him.How many times do you ask for something and not really believe that it will happen? I caution you here to BE CAREFUL because God WILL CALL YOUR BLUFF!

God is in the business of making the impossible, possible.

If Peter truly believed, he would have immediately walked out to Jesus with extreme confidence. Instead, he doubted for a minute and he started to sink.You should be as bold as Peter. This is not to deter you from asking for big things from God, its simply to warn you that if you do, there is a high likelihood that God will make good on it and you need to be ready for that.Don't bluff if you aren't prepared for the result.  You may have to walk out on the water and have a little more faith than normal, but it will make you stronger, I promise!