The Risk of Faith - Charles Stanley Daily Devotional (January-07-2023)

Charles Stanley (January-07-2023) Daily Devotional: The Risk of Faith. 

God empowers and equips every believer who trusts Him enough to act on His Word.

Matthew 14:22-33 -  Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ``It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ``Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to Him, ``Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." And He said, ``Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ``Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ``You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ``You are certainly God's Son!"

Sometimes obeying the Lord feels as if we’re taking a chance. Like Peter, we may find ourselves in a precarious situation, overcome by fear. Although life is filled with uncertainties, biblical truths never change. As we focus on them, we’ll be able to obey with confidence—not in our desired outcome, but in the Lord’s faithfulness. 

We can count on God being with us. It’s impossible for believers to live a single day without His presence because our relationship with Him through our Savior Jesus Christ is a permanent one (Heb. l3:5 - Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ``I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"). God’s love for us is deep and abiding, and His promises are sure. When He calls us to leave our “comfort zone,” we can obey because He’s there at our side. 

God’s enabling power is ours. The Holy Spirit gives us divine strength to do what the Father says. Obedience isn’t achieved by self-effort but by complete dependence on the Lord. His grace is sufficient for every situation, and His power is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9 - And He has said to me, ``My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me).

Is there something God wants you to do that you’re resisting? The Lord has provided everything you need in order to obey. So fix your eyes on Him, and step out in faith.