We Have Nothing To Prove

Do you remember the story of Jesus walking on the water? It’s in the 14^th chapter of the book of Matthew (see verse 25). It was about three o’clock in the morning and the ship was tossed about on the windy ocean waves. When Jesus showed up, the disciples didn’t recognize Him. They thought He was a ghost.

The story also tells of Peter also walking on the water. He actually did well until his fear of the storm and the waves overtook him. Jesus was right there to take Peter’s hand and guide him safely back to the boat.

Did you realize that it was Peter’s own idea to walk on the water (see Matthew 14:28)? Jesus didn’t require it and there was no practical reason for him to leave the ship (the ship wasn’t sinking). None of the other disciples felt any urge to walk on water. It’s certainly not a routine thing to do. Yet Peter had to do a little more to show his faith and devotion; even if it meant doing something dumb.

We should not feel a need to prove our devotion to anything, but many times we think we do. We do not have to prove our friendship by doing drugs or drinking alcohol. We do not have to prove our love in a relationship by pushing the physical limits. If we love Jesus Christ, then all we have to do is wait on Him. His Word is our guide in every situation we face.

We usually know the limits God has set for us. Our parents have taught us, our conscious warns us and we’ve read it in the bible. But our flesh still wants to have it’s own way.

A closer look reveals that Peter actually asked Jesus to tell him to come out on the water. It’s good to have an idea of your own. Jesus doesn’t want us to be mindless robots. But we have to make sure that we are in a position for Jesus to cooperate with us.

Whenever we feel tempted to prove ourselves, we need but relax. We have nothing to prove. Let’s set our hearts to obey God’s Word. Although He will be there for us should we sink, it is far better to stand in faith. That way we boldly state through our actions the side we are own.

By: Edmund Brown