Oh those New Year’s resolutions that we make and then break. What is the secret to keeping what we set out to do? Focus on lifestyle changes that will promote continual success for many years to come.
Number 1 lifestyle change to ensure success? Let God lead you. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. In Matthew 14:28-35 NIV in which the disciples see Jesus walking toward them on the water it says: “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 while Peter was walking on the water, he saw the wind and the waves. He was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
There are so many wonderful lessons to unpack in this short passage. First, Peter was willing to risk his life if Jesus invited him to do what he knew humanly impossible, but Jesus knew he could do it. God gives us courage to do what we think we cannot.
Second, Peter was showing obedience. He wouldn’t have just run out onto the water without God first telling him to come. May we all be obedient to what God wants, not just to our greedy desires.
Third, Peter got distracted by all the chaos around him and took his eyes off of Jesus. That’s when he began to sink. I pray as you take on God’s calling for you that you are able to ignore all the side commentary. The devil is going to work hard at tearing your down and away from God. Want to know how he does this? Read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. You must keep your eyes on Jesus!
Fourth, Peter quickly realized the consequences of turning his focus away and cried out for help. Please always remember that God hears you when you cry out.
Fifth lesson in this passage is the next word which is the most crucial word in this whole passage. IMMEDIATELY. Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. Think of how fast Christ had to have grabbed Peter’s hand. Someone doesn’t sink down slowly in water. Despite the rapidness of his sinking, Christ was able to grab Peter’s hand immediately. He will do this for you, too.
Sixth lesson, our faith may be little, but even just a little bit is enough for Jesus to save you when you ask.
Seventh lesson, the storm died down when Jesus got into the boat. Big dramas lesson in intensity when God is with us. He calms the storm. Focus on the eternal glory and salvation we have in Christ Jesus and all other issues greatly lesson. As Dr. Joe Dispenza wrote in his book Breaking the Habit of being Yourself, look at things as a grain of sand on the beach. That’s what earthly problems look like when we know the paradise that awaits us in Heaven.
The eighth lesson is that the disciples praised and honored him acknowledging his deity. We must give God the glory and honor he so deserves for we can do nothing without him. Remember, he’s omnipotent. All things are done through him and we can do all things through him. Nothing that we do is done without God giving us the ability and willing it to happen. Remember Psalm 139: 13-14 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Carried on in verse 16-18 with Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God. How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand- when I awake, I am still with you.
Praise be to God! He made us and will not abandon us.
This year as I wrote my goals, rather than specific goals, I asked God how can I make areas of my life more pleasing to Him. I trust in God’s plan. He has placed me exactly where I am supposed to be. In any situation, pleasant or not, in order to find comfort and guidance, I turn to God. He is omnipotent which means he can do anything. This world is far too complex and challenging for me to try to take it on my own. I can’t figure out everything, but God can. He speaks to me through dreams, animals, repeated phrases or concepts, and that little idea that pops into my head. Sometimes that voice is very loud and that tells me that I need to act now! Regardless of if it is loud or quiet, God speaks to us.
God’s voice is never condemning, shaming, violent, or rude. His words are of love and comfort. You are his child and he wants the absolute best for you. So as you ponder your new year’s resolutions, get quiet, and ‘ask God what he would like for you. You may just hear him say that he wants you to be close to him and cling to him when you are in despair. Maybe he’ll ask you to praise and honor him in all situations. Perhaps, he’ll just tell you to be still and feel his presence. Regardless, when you call on Him, he will immediately be there to save you.
Matthew 14:30-31 NIV
He was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him
Voyage to HEAL Weekly Task
Prayer: Dear God, Let me keep my eyes focused on you and my faith run deep to do as would please you.
Stretch: Stand in a wide doorframe or entry way wide enough for you to reach your arms out to the side. Place one hand on the side of the frame. Reach the hand on the opposite side over your head to touch the wall or frame stretching the side of your body. Now rotate your trunk reaching your arm across your body. Repeat this on the other side.
Exercise: Turn the above stretch into an exercise. Activate that pelvic floor and core and reach your arm overhead touching the opposite wall. Then rotate left and right touching the wall. Feel the muscles on the side of your body engaging. This is a great exercise to tighten up those love handles.
Habitual Change: Since we are focusing on the lateral trunk, become aware if you tend to lean to one side more than the other. In the horseback riding world, we call this collapsing the ribcage to the right or left. This is very detrimental to a horse’s movement and ours! Though you may not be riding horses, you do want to keep a healthy balance in your body to ward off discomfort. Variety is best.
Perspective enlightenment: God’s way, not your way. Isaiah 55 says that God’s ways are greater than our ways. Seek out his will for you and keep your eyes on Him.
Journaling option: Lord, what do you desire from me?
This week’s blog post coincides with the Voyage to HEAL week 9: God’s plan. You can purchase the Voyage to HEAL in the store on the webpage. Click here to visit the online store to find all of these items.
Godspeed on your Voyage to HEAL
Love,
Jocelyn
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