This is actually a continuation of the thoughts I expressed on Tuesday related to Matthew 14:22-33.
I mentioned recently that I wanted to talk more about being “between” from the vantage point of a “Father-filtered” heart.
Something different was going on in Peter than in the other 11 disciples who remained in the boat. It’s tempting to think that Peter’s brief experience of walking on water was just a fluky thing born out of his brash and compulsive nature. I don’t think so. I believe for a brief period of time Peter’s life was defying natural laws because in that space between the boat and the Lord, he was exercising an innocent “take-Jesus-at-His- word”, childlike faith that presumed that all things were truly possible with Him. I want that – don’t you?
Won’t it be a shock to discover some day, that from heaven’s perspective, that there for a brief moment on that lake, we were being given a glimpse of “normal” – an event we had just written off as an isolated one-off miracle that really had no bearing on us today. I don’t want that shock. I would guess you do not either.
After having found some lies lodged there I have come to think of my heart like a kind of filter – a “Father filter”. To care for my heart as I must and keep it clear for the Spirit to move in, it is essential that God remains in clear focus as my Father. I am not talking about a firm religious conviction that God is like a Father. I am talking about relating continually and presumptuously toward Him as my Father. I have discovered if I can live from this place, where His tone of voice is encouraging, not condemning; where I see His smile as opposed to a frown, I am more likely to hear His invitation to get out of the boat. And…. I am more inclined to responding positively.
Our perception of God is the most important thing about us. It determines more than anything how the issues of our lives will play out. (Prov 4:23). It also has a lot to do with what we see ourselves “between”. If we see Him as harsh, frustrated or angry we will likely see ourselves sinking down and overwhelmed by our circumstances – always between a rock and a hard place. If we see Him smiling saying, “Come now little one, you can do this.”, we will see ourselves between opportunities to know Him more intimately and we will find ourselves being transformed from glory to glory.
Father, may you clean out the filters of our hearts so that nothing would prohibit Your Spirit from accurately conveying to us Your tone of voice. May we, like Peter, join you in whatever the new “normal” might look like in Your ever expanding kingdom. When You bid us, “Come”, sustain us with that innocent childlike faith that Peter knew as He walked on water. Amen.