I have been disappointed by prayer.
There, I said it. We all have been. We have prayed, fully expecting like Peter to walk on water, only to sink into a stormy sea, frightened by the wind, blown over by the waves.
Simon Peter had called out, “If it is truly you, bid me come to you on the water” (Matt. 14:28). In response, it was indeed Jesus on the water, so the Master said what He had said time and again. “Come!” He called.
There, I said it. We all have been. We have prayed, fully expecting like Peter to walk on water, only to sink into a stormy sea, frightened by the wind, blown over by the waves.
Simon Peter had called out, “If it is truly you, bid me come to you on the water” (Matt. 14:28). In response, it was indeed Jesus on the water, so the Master said what He had said time and again. “Come!” He called.
Peter had faith. He fully expected Jesus would let him walk on watery waves or else he would have never asked and never left the ship. Did the fisherman jump out in faith with full abandonment? Did he cautiously descend with careful steps and darting eyes? It doesn’t matter.
For a moment, Peter did indeed walk on water to go to Jesus. Was it the waves and wind that caused Peter to sink? Matthew said he saw the “wind was boisterous”. Was it his fears which sank him? Jesus said it was his doubts and his little faith. It didn't matter, the rock began to sink.
For a moment, Peter did indeed walk on water to go to Jesus. Was it the waves and wind that caused Peter to sink? Matthew said he saw the “wind was boisterous”. Was it his fears which sank him? Jesus said it was his doubts and his little faith. It didn't matter, the rock began to sink.
But when you expectantly pray, only to be disappointed, again I say, it doesn’t matter! Despite all your professed faith and expectant prayers, you will be disappointed in prayer and yes even with God. Your fears, your faithlessness, your doubts will let you down.
And that’s okay.
Rocks are not meant to float. Peter, the rock, was meant to have faith in Christ. Peter's saving prayer was not “Bid me come” but rather “Lord, save me.” Praise God that Jesus answered that prayer. And that is the only prayer that does matter for all eternity.
Rocks are not meant to float. Peter, the rock, was meant to have faith in Christ. Peter's saving prayer was not “Bid me come” but rather “Lord, save me.” Praise God that Jesus answered that prayer. And that is the only prayer that does matter for all eternity.
Have you prayed for healing? Sickness and death will inevitably come. Prayed for a failing marriage? It too will someday end. Have your dreams crashed and burned into the depths of the ocean? Do not lose faith that God’s arms are not too short to reach down and save you. “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear” (Isaiah 59:1).
Can you imagine how big-headed Peter would have become had he learned to walk on water? The wind would not have come close to being as boisterous as he would have become. Like Peter, call for Christ to do great things through you. Fix your eyes and focus your faith on Christ and not the wind, nor the waves nor your fears. But if and when you sink, don’t ever fear that Jesus will stretch forth His hand to rescue you when you are going down.
Expect God to answer your prayer. But if and when He doesn’t, trust God. His faithfulness is greater than your prayers.
Dear God, I am of little faith in me, but my faith in you is great. When I am disappointed from my expectations, let me look to you to save me. In all my prayers, that eternal prayer of salvation will be the only one which lasts. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Dear God, I am of little faith in me, but my faith in you is great. When I am disappointed from my expectations, let me look to you to save me. In all my prayers, that eternal prayer of salvation will be the only one which lasts. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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