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A New Song: Here In My Life by Hillsong

Friday, September 23, 2011

This week's new song is not exactly new but nevertheless, a great song to reflect and worship. So yeap, do take a moment to listen!:)

This song brings us to the story of Peter. It was just before the sun was out, and the disciples were asleep in the boat, which had drifted away from shore. Jesus who had left them to pray before, then walked out onto the lake to meet them. And the story was as follows:

Matthew 14:26-31
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

I remember when I was a kid, my parents taught me to ride on the two-wheeled bike. Having to balance on the bike back then was no easy feat! I didn’t dare leave my feet off the ground for fear that I would lose my balance and fall. My parents had gently reassured me that they’ve got my back (they would hold on to the back of the bike and keep it balanced while all I had to do was pedal!) In short, I simply had to obey! And TADAA~ I was slowly but surely, well on my way forward.

I guess Peter also had that fear of falling (or rather, drowning) when Jesus commanded him to walk on the water. So what spurred Peter to take that step of faith? If we look at v28, we know that Peter wasn’t fearful because he knew it was Jesus who was calling out to Him and so, was willing to entrust his life to Him. Peter had witnessed Jesus perform numerous miracles, and turn water to wine. Though Peter knew that on his own, he could not have possibly float on water, he knew that with Jesus, he could defy all laws of physics and walked on water. Likewise, it was because I knew that my parents would keep me safe that I did not fear losing my balance off the bike. In fact, our loving Father has reassured us many times in the Scriptures that He’ll be right at our side, keeping us ‘balanced’ as we ride through life.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Psalm 18:32-33
It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.  He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He causes me to stand on the heights.

1 Peter 3:14
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

Like Peter, we simply need to trust and obey! In fact, Peter did not hesitate to step of the boat. Today, we may face insurmountable challenges that seem as impossible as defying gravity, how do you react? Do you respond to God’s call, and receive His faith to walk on ocean’s deep?

You may think, why should we obey? Why did Peter have to get out of the boat? What reward do you get in return? FREEDOM. Freedom that comes from surrendering. Ironic? Think for a moment and you’ll realize its absolutely not. Because it is in surrendering our hopes, our fears and our lives to God that we gain freedom - from sin, bondage, past hurts, unforgiveness and bitterness.

Romans 6:19
Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.

What’s amazing is that the freedom we’ve gained does not stop at us. When we experience the unending love and overflowing joy of being a child of God and living the purpose we’re made for, we will want to pass it on!

Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Do you yearn for this freedom that God has paid for with a dear cost? What is your ocean-deep task today? It could be taking the initiative to reconcile with a family member you have been harboring a grudge. It could be having the courage and humility to apologize to a friend you have wronged. It could be saying no, and risk losing your friends. It could be plucking up your courage to share the Gospel with a dear friend. It could be finding a quiet time to worship God in the midst of an intense examination week. It could be walking out of the dark and entrusting your life to God whom you’ve never truly believed. Are you willing?

It is never easy to step out of the boat, to leave behind your fears and doubt, but remember, when you do, God is with you. Jesus wasn’t in the boat when he called Peter to step out of it. He was out on the waters, watching over Peter as he walks towards Him. When we leave behind our fears and step out onto the waters, we are just about getting close to God. Even if we ever fall, He is there to pick us up (v31). The same God that has enabled Peter to walk on water is waiting for you to step out on to the waters too!

Labels: A New Song, faith

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