Brenda Reid Brenda Reid

Praying for Godly Relationships

When I was growing up, my parents used to tell me and my sisters two gems of wisdom as we approached dating. The first was, every date is a potential mate. The second was a hard and fast rule…no ‘missionary dating’.  My parents knew that it was important to be intentional about the relationships we cultivated, not only friendships, but those dating relationships that could lead to marriage.  



We were brought up to guard our heart, to use wisdom and spiritual discernment to make wise decisions about into whom we would choose to invest our time, our efforts, and our hearts. is that young man a man after God’s own heart? Is he fully committed to following Jesus or does he just know the right words to say? Scripture tells us that marriage should be between believers, no ‘unequal yokes’. 



What does that even mean? An unequal yoke?  Think back to pre-industrial revolution farming-  the days when farmers would use horses or oxen to pull their plows. It was important that the two animals be equal in size and strength, otherwise they wouldn’t work together.  If you paired a Clydesdale and a Shetland, you would have disaster on so many levels.  Nothing would be plowed, the farmer would be exhausted trying to wrangle two animals that could not, would not work together and, ultimately, people would go hungry because nothing would be planted or harvested.  But if you put two Clydesdales together, man-o-man would you be getting things done!  They pull together well, their temperaments are suited to the hard work, and they take joy in doing what they’re created to do.  



God used the same analogy in 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”  When we step into dating or marriage relationships with others who do not have a personal relationship with God, it never goes well.  Believers have the foundation of Jesus Christ, they rely on the Truth of Scripture, they are indwelled by the Holy Spirit.  Someone who is not a believer is coming from a totally different perspective, value-system, and attitude of worship.  What do they worship?  If not Jesus, it is self-worship and idolatry.  How then, can a marriage relationship work well?  It cannot be God-honoring if one of the partners doesn’t choose to honor God with their life, their choices, their worship.

As parents, we need to pray for our sons and daughters, that they would wisely choose a husband or wife that is a growing believer, surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We need to pray that our sons know the qualities of a noble woman and they use spiritual discernment to pursue someone who exhibits those qualities.  It’s not enough that they ‘know’ Jesus.. Even the demons know Jesus.  No, that potential mate needs to be in a committed relationship with Jesus Christ so that He is the One for whom they live and from whom they seek wisdom and guidance.  Jesus needs to be preeminent in their life.  And that other person should be seeking someone who lives and believes the same…if our son or daughter isn’t living that way, it’s unlikely they will find a spouse who is.



“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.” 

Proverbs 31:20 

As believing parents, we must pray that our sons find an excellent wife, not just a pretty face. That word ‘excellent’ is the Hebrew word “hayil” and it means virtue, uprightness, and integrity (1).  Proverbs 31 is a whole chapter dedicated to the description of such a woman.  But take a look at the Book of Ruth. It is the account of a woman who lived out ‘hayil’ in so many ways.  Both her future husband, Boaz and the entire village of Bethlehem noted her character and godly attitudes, using that same word to describe her (Ruth 3;11, Ruth 4:11). 



Who will be a Godly wife to our sons? Let it be a woman of integrity, clothed in strength and dignity, one who opens her mouth with wisdom and kindness is on her tongue. Pray that the woman our son chooses is a woman who fears the Lord.  (Proverbs 31:25-26,30)



We should pray, too, for our daughters, that they seek a man after God’s own heart. 



When God chose a King for Israel, He instructed Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, the shepherd boy.  Samuel looked at all of Jesse’s sons, the older, stronger, more valiant, more ‘worthy’, yet it was the shepherd that God chose.




“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.””

1 Samuel 16:7




Who will shepherd our daughter’s heart?  Let it be a man after God’s own heart. Pray that the man our daughter marries is one who would love her like Christ loves the church- sacrificially, selflessly, protectively and in a way that honors God above all (Ephesians 5:25).





Despite the fact that they’re adults, we can still shepherd our sons and daughters through prayer and as they navigate relationships, they need our prayers more than ever! It’s important that we ask the Lord to give our sons and daughters the spiritual discernment to look on the heart of another and recognize whether that person truly loves Jesus or if they only pretend for the sake of the relationship.  Authenticity and a heart of worship towards Jesus cannot be feigned.  There will be fruit, is it fresh or is it rotten? Pray that they can set aside their own desires, look beyond their own agenda, and pray for God’s will and direction.

 

Let’s activate some purposeful, diligent prayer, asking God to bring the spouse of His choosing to our sons and daughters with whom they would be better together. Pray for a marriage in which they would spur one another on to serve God and bring Him glory.  Marriage is a covenant, not meant to be broken, and designed to reflect Christ and the church.  Intentional prayer, asking God to design and effect this for our sons and daughters is a responsibility and privilege of believing parents.  Let us pursue that prayer today!








“Oh, Heavenly Father, You are a good Father.  You love us and gave your Son so that we might have life, and not just life, but abundant, eternal, joyful life in Your Presence!  Lord, I know You desire that every marriage relationship would be a reflection of Christ and the church- a covenant that cannot be broken and is marked by sacrifice for the other. You desire to see a love that is demonstrated in patience, kindness, and humility, and genuine care for the other person, with attitudes of graciousness like Christ. Lord, I pray for (name) right now that You would lead them to a God-honoring relationship and marriage with the one You choose for them, in Your time.  Help (name) not to be anxious or impatient but to trust You and Your timing.  Help them to wait with hope that You are working everything for their good and Your glory.  I pray for (name)’s future spouse.  Grow them into the (man/woman) of God that You desire them to be.  Bring other believers alongside them to disciple them, mentor them, encourage them and provide accountability for them.  Lord, I pray that my son would be a man after Your own heart.  I pray that my daughter would be a woman of excellent character, noble and worthy, fearing the Lord.  Let their walk with Jesus be evident to others so that those attracted to them, would be attracted to their heart for the Lord.  I pray Your hand of protection over them.  Keep them from being distracted by charm- it’s deceitful. Keep them from being lured by beauty that is only skin deep.  I pray that my son/daughter would be so committed to and in love with Jesus that they would have keen discernment to choose a spouse who believes the same and has a heart for God.  Lord, I know that You are orchestrating their life, help them to be surrendered to Your leadership and Your timing.  I pray that when they do marry, it would be a God-honoring event and relationship that would reflect Christ and the church in significant ways.  Lord, use each of us to bring glory to Your name, in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”



Pray without ceasing.

  1. H2428 - ḥayil - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (esv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2428/esv/wlc/0-1/





Are you praying for a prodigal?  Don’t lose heart. God sees and He hears.  Keep laying your burdens in prayer at the feet of Jesus.  Trust Him, He is working.  You may not see it, but He works in dimensions that are beyond our comprehension.  Pray for those friends and associates that interact with your beloved prodigal, that God would use them to bring them to full surrender to Jesus as Lord.


40 Days of Prayer for the Prodigal is a powerful book for anyone deeply in prayer for the heart of their loved one. The book addresses the battle for the heart, mind, and soul of the prodigal through praying Scripture boldly and consistently with faith that God will bring repentance and restoration. Pray the words of Scripture in powerful and effective ways to plead with God about the  condition and situation of your beloved prodigal and watch God work!

Grab your copy today! 

Available on Amazon


Have you read 40 Days of Prayer for the Prodigal? Consider leaving a review! There are so many who could benefit from this resource, let them know! God is moving and working!

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Brenda Reid Brenda Reid

God Gives Good Things

“Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9 

Recently, while I was driving home, I pulled up to a stop sign.  There, on the far right corner was a lady walking her large pit bull in a harness.  The dog was pulling and straining and having fits as she looked across the street.  When I looked over, there was a mail carrier on the far left corner, messenger bag and pith helmet in place.  I thought, “Oh my, what those poor mail carriers have to contend with…he’s just trying to do his job.” 

I wondered if he would cross to the opposite corner before going on his way, but no, he didn’t.  That mail carrier stepped into the crosswalk and walked right toward the lady and her dog.  The closer he got, the more the dog strained and pulled and then I noticed, the dog was wiggling, wagging her tail and honestly, she smiled.  That assumedly “vicious dog” was eager to see her mail carrier friend and he was just as glad to see her! 

The mail carrier pulled out a dog treat from his bag and the pup eagerly ate it up.  There was no aggression, no fierce bark or growl.  The dog knew the mail carrier brought good things and she waited with anticipation until they met and ‘talked’.  And here’s the thing, the dog wasn’t at all bothered by how others might view her or the assumptions they held…she only had eyes for that mail carrier.  She knew he valued her and she’d be getting a treat as soon as he came near.  They trusted one another and enjoyed their impromptu meeting on the corner.


It made me think about we look to Jesus, or rather, how we should look to Him.  Do we see Him and get excited to talk to Him because He brings good things?  Or are we bothered about what others might think of us, of our affection for and commitment to Jesus.  Are we “all in”, knowing all that matters is how God sees us and that He wants fellowship with us?  Jesus sees our heart.  He knows our value.  He embraces us as His beloved child for whom He gave His life.  He’s not bothered by those looking on, He only has eyes for us- His beloved. He desires good for us.  And He longs that we would be excited to spend time with Him.  


God didn’t create us to be ‘religious’, to check the boxes and go through the motions.  He created us to enjoy a relationship with Him, to worship and adore Him and to enjoy all the benefits of knowing God personally. He wants us to desire to see Him, talk to Him, move closer and enjoy fellowship. He desires that we would trust Him and rely on Him for those good things.


Oh that our sons and daughters would be excited to wake up and talk to God!!  Imagine if their eyes would light up at the mention of Him!  Let’s pray that our sons and daughters take time with Jesus today because they’re excited to talk to Him.  Pray that they would look for the good things He promises and to respond to Him with joy!  Then, let’s lead by example!  Spend time enjoying the Presence of your Savior today.  Sit with Him, listen, worship, praise His name.  

Pray without ceasing.

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Brenda Reid Brenda Reid

The Ultimate Desire

Fellowship with God is the core desire that we were designed to experience and pursue.  It is the deepest longing and need we will ever know-whether or not we choose to acknowledge that fact.  We experience this longing because God has set eternity in the hearts of men (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and that will always stir a deep desire for something more than this world can give us…it’s the desire for more of Him, more of His Presence and more of His peace.  


But that we recognize it as a longing for God isn’t guaranteed.  Too often we strive to fill that longing with inadequate substitutes that cannot satisfy our hearts, our souls, and we struggle because of it.  We wrestle with restlessness.  We wander trying to find our purpose.  We pursue the ‘next thing’ assuring ourselves that will be the answer.  We continue to pursue temporal things to fill that God-desire in us, Even believers are duped into the deception of the futile pursuit of satisfaction by other means.  


Before we came to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, “we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world” Galatians 4:3.  But when we confessed with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believed in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we moved from eternal death to eternal life (Romans 10:9).  And in that confession and belief, something in our heart, mind, and spirit changed.  God placed His Spirit in us.  “Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father” Galatians 4:6.  And we began a relationship with God, unlike any we knew or experienced before.  We began to experience the fulfillment of that longing that was set in our hearts from the time God created us.

“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb” Psalm 139:13.

God designed us to desire a relationship with Him.  Once we realize nothing else fills us and completes us like Jesus can and does, we are compelled to pursue more of Him.  But if we turn back and pursue other means to fill that longing, our spirit still cries out for our Abba Father. We cannot run from it.


The world tells us to pursue what will fill us and make us happy.  The job.  The relationship.  The ‘things’.  Renovate, redecorate, relocate.  Move up, move out, move on.  But what the world offers will never fulfill that eternal longing, because the world doesn’t possess the means, power, and resources to fill what only God can.  “For this world in its present form is passing away” 1 Corinthians 7:29. 

This is Satan’s biggest lie- that we can satisfy the longing of our hearts with the things of this world- lesser things, things that are not God.  And when we pursue that, we are dissatisfied, frustrated, and disillusioned. The result is that we often turn and rail at God because we are unhappy, lost, hurting, and unfulfilled. We blame Him for our discontent when we’ve tried to soothe it with everything but Him. 


HE is all we need.  ALL we need.  Any attempt to fill ourselves with anything else will always result in frustration and emptiness. 

“The Lord knows the thoughts of man; He knows that they are futile” Psalm 94:11.


So, how can we fulfill that desire?  Read Colossians 1: 9-12

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.”

Take Action:

  1. Be filled with the knowledge of His will- study His word and get to know it.  The more we read Scripture, the more it sinks deeply into our heart, soul, and mind.  We must allow our spirit to run freely in the environment it was created to- in the Presence of the Most High God.  Our spirit cannot thrive when it’s seeking life from a source that is spiritually malnourished or empty of the things of God.  

  2. Cultivate spiritual wisdom.  This comes when we spend consistent time in God’s word (see #1) and we begin to grow ‘smart’ in the things of Scripture.  Our heart and head align in the context of the wisdom of God because we are saturating our mind with truth.

  3. Desire and pursue understanding.  The word ‘understanding’ in Greek is ‘synesis’ and it means “a mental putting together” (1).  In other words, when we understand, we begin to perceive and interpret correctly; we connect the precepts, truths, and council of Scripture and understand how God reveals Himself through it.  We begin to see how Scripture supports itself.  God’s word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11).

  4. Live a life worthy of the Lord.  We have to make the conscious choice to put ourselves aside and live for Him.  If we are forever pursuing our own happiness, we will be exhausted in the pursuit- it’s a perpetual cycle that goes nowhere and achieves nothing of eternal satisfaction.  We will continue to be dissatisfied, disillusioned and unfulfilled.  We must seek Him.  “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”  Deuteronomy 4:29



“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6


Who or what are we allowing to govern our mind?  Pursue life.  Pursue Peace.  Pursue Jesus.  Sit at His feet.  Let Him speak into your soul.  Live for Him and allow Him to fill that which is lacking in you.  You will know a deep satisfaction and a fellowship like no other.  You will be filled.  

”Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever.”

Psalm 73:25-26

Take time in prayer that God would fill you with a desire for more of Him and would guide you in pursuit of that relationship. Then, pray for others to do the same.  Pray for your family, your sons and daughters.  Pray for your loved ones.  Pray for your church and the global church at large.  Pray for those in ministry.  Satan wants nothing more than to have God’s people seeking that which will not satisfy and living in frustration because God isn’t fulfilling their misdirected desires.

Prayer is never pointless and it brings us to the Throne of the One who can effect change and bring all things under His Lordship where we can delight in fellowship with the One who made us.  


Pray without ceasing.



  1. G4907 - synesis - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4907/niv/mgnt/0-1/

  2. G2556 - kakos - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2556/niv/mgnt/0-1/

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Brenda Reid Brenda Reid

What Kind of Knowledge?

2 Peter 1:2-4 “Grace and peace by yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.  His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

Wow!  Those two verses are packed with rich truth and promises, aren’t they?  Sometimes we plow into scripture and we’re focused on the quantity we consume, telling ourselves the more we read, the better.  And, while in the big picture, that’s true- God wants us to spend time in His Word and not just ‘taste test’ but consume it cover to cover, He wants us to truly savor the richness of His Word as well.  When we slow down and really dig into what scripture is saying, we often find a depth and richness there that we wouldn’t by just reading through to check off our progress.

Today’s verses have so much we can pray through for our sons and daughters.  Let’s take a look!

Did you know that in 2 Peter chapter 1, the word ‘knowledge’ is used 5 times!!  And here’s the thing we need to pay attention to -it’s not always the same word.  Oh, in English it’s the same, but in the original Greek, there are two words for knowledge that are used.  That’s important!  Verses 2, 3 and 8 use the word ‘epignosis’.  Verses 5 and 6 use the word ‘gnosis’.   So, what’s the difference?

Epignosis is the knowledge that is distinguished by recognition (1).  It’s indicative of a relationship.  It comes from a root word, epignosko which means “thoroughly acquainted with” (2) and another word ginosko, which means “to become known” to be recognized by someone (3). This is not just ‘informational’ knowledge, it’s relational knowledge - a true knowing of someone who also knows you. It’s not knowing about someone and it’s not based on information and facts. It’s relational and experiential. It’s deep and personal.

Gnosis is a knowledge about and of something, an understanding and general intelligence of that person or thing (4).  It’s the knowledge of the ‘culture’ of something- knowing the rules and the ‘lingo’, but gnosis does not indicate a relationship.

Do you see the difference?  

There are many people with ‘gnosis’ of Christianity.  They know the words to say and have an understanding of the expected conduct. Their words and actions may reflect the culture of Christianity, but they lack the ‘epignosis’, the relationship with Jesus.  

2 Peter 1:2-4 explains the benefits we receive and enjoy because of our epignosis- our relationship with Jesus.

Grace and peace in abundance

Everything we need for life and godliness

Called by His own glory and goodness

Great and precious promises

The right and privilege to partake in the divine nature

Protection and preservation to escape corruption caused by evil desires.

Friends, that list is a powerful one and those benefits come because of the relationship with Jesus, not because we understand the culture and have the head knowledge of Scripture.

Someone can say they know the Queen of England.  They might know her name, where she lives, what her favorite things are, the names of her family members, her accomplishments throughout her lifetime.  But, if the Queen stepped into the room and that individual was there, would she recognize them?  No, of course not.  Why?  Because they have no relationship with the Queen, they’ve never met.  Knowing about someone isn’t the same as knowing them. 

Oh, how we want our sons and daughters to have grace and peace in abundance and everything they need for life and godliness!  We want that assurance that they’ve been called by God to enjoy His promises and be protected against the enemy and the ravages of sin.  We want to know that they KNOW Jesus personally.  The heart knowledge has to be there before the head knowledge is truly effective and life-changing.  

Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters have ‘epignosis’ of Jesus.  A true recognition and experiential knowledge because they walk in relationship with Him. Pray that they are ‘epignosko’, thoroughly acquainted with Him and know Him well, recognizing Him in all things, seeing Him at work in their life and that they enjoy ‘ginosko’, being recognized by God as one of His own children because of their relationship with Him

“Father God, I’m so grateful I can call You my Father.  You see me and know me as your child.  What a beautiful relationship!  Lord, I pray today that (name) would step into a faithful, life-changing relationship with You.  Lord, impress on their heart a deep need to know you more- not just ‘facts’ and ‘rules’ but a true growing relationship that is transformative.  Holy Spirit, I pray that You would stir a hunger and thirst in (name)’s heart today.  Convict them of sin.  Create a desire to know You more.  Let the ‘trappings’ of religion fall away.  This is not about rules and good deeds.  It’s about knowing Jesus personally as Lord and Savior and pursuing a real relationship with the One True Sovereign God.  Please let (name) embrace and enjoy that relationship with You today.  Lord, give them your abundant grace and peace.  Set them in fellowship with other believers and help them learn Your Truth that will protect them and produce godliness in them.  Remind them of your great and precious promises that are unbounded by time and borders, faithful throughout history and unmoved by the plans of men.  Lord, I pray for your holy protection and preservation over their life that they would, through authentic relationship with You, be counted worthy to escape temptation and corruption by evil desires and the influence of the enemy.  I pray that You would move and work in their heart and mind today.  Call them to faithfully follow You.  Help them to understand that knowing ‘about’ you isn’t the same as truly being in a relationship with You.  Let them crave Jesus, in His name, amen.”

Take time to memorize 2 Peter 1:2-4 “Grace and peace by yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.  His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

Pray without ceasing.

  1. G1922 - epignōsis - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1922/kjv/tr/0-1/

  2. G1921 - epiginōskō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1921/kjv/tr/0-1/

  3. G1097 - ginōskō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1097/kjv/tr/0-1/

  4. G1108 - gnōsis - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1108/niv/tr/0-1/

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Brenda Reid Brenda Reid

Fear, Faith, & Examples to Follow

Matthew 14:25-33 “Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.  But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.  “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”  “Come,” he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”  And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.””

Let’s look at the actions and responses of the disciples:

  1. They saw Jesus, but they didn’t recognize Him, they were terrified.

  2. They cried out in fear.

  3. Peter stepped out of the boat at Jesus’ invitation and began to walk on the water

  4. Peter got distracted by the wind and waves around him and began to sink, he cried out in fear

  5. Jesus and Peter returned to the boat together

  6. The disciples worshiped Jesus and acknowledged His Deity.


Now, look at the actions and responses of Jesus:

  1. Jesus walked on the water to the disciples’ boat- He knew right where they were

  2. He immediately reassured them when they cried out in fear

  3. He invited Peter to come out on the water with Him (He didn’t rebuke his doubt or give a sermon, He simply said “Come”

  4. Jesus immediately reached out to catch Peter as he began to sink.  There is that word again…immediately

  5. Jesus questioned Peter’s faith and his doubt

  6. He climbed into the boat with Peter and the disciples.

Do you notice the difference?  The disciples were focused on the situation.  Jesus was focused on the relationship.  Go back and read the lists again. 

The disciples didn’t even recognize Jesus. He was there. He spoke to them, but their distraction at the things going on around them kept them from hearing His voice.

Then, Peter stepped out in faith to walk on the water. We need to ask, was he motivated to prove something to himself (that it really was Jesus) something to others (that he would be the one to walk on water) or was he fully driven to walk toward Christ- focused on Him, pursuing Him?

Jesus said “Come”, an invitation to join Him, an offer to pursue relationship and Peter was initially focused on Jesus, yes.  But as soon as he got distracted, he shifted his focus to what was going on around him. He began to sink. Peter quickly realized the impact of fear on his focus, his faith and his position.  He got distracted by the situation.

When we struggle with anxiety and fear and we pursue ways to control it, face it and conquer it, are we doing it to prove something to ourselves, to others, or to pursue Christ?  Are we focused on the relationship, or on the events going on around us?

Friends, there is so much that can captivate our thoughts and our hearts.  Where is our focus?  Are we listening to Jesus, calling us to come to Him?  Are we looking to Him alone in the midst of our storm, or are we too busy watching the wind and waves and anticipating what they will do to us?  How often do we allow our fear and anxiety to consume our focus?  …And if we’re sinking, what kind of example are we setting for others…for our sons and daughters?

Here are the things we need to remember.

  1. In Matthew 14, Jesus knew exactly where the disciples were.  He knows right where we are too.  He knows where our sons and daughters are.  He can be right there with them, reassuring them, calling them to ‘come’.

  2. God will direct us into things we cannot handle on our own- we need to trust Him

  3. The boat was buffeted by the waves…but as soon as Jesus stepped into the boat, the wind died down - When we invite Jesus into our storm, He brings peace.  His presence calms our anxiety.  The difficulty may still be there, but our focus shifts and our heart is assured because our Savior is at the helm. We hear His voice. We know and enjoy His presence. He brings peace and dispels our fear.



It’s no wonder, then, that we see Peter remind us in 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”  Peter knew that first hand.


Today, stop and talk to the Lord, He’s calling you to come.  Focus on Him, not the storm.  Invite Him into your ‘boat’.  Rest in the fact that He sees and knows all.  Nothing is out of his control.  Let’s refocus.  Let’s cast our anxiety and fear aside and look to the Lord.  He’s calling us to come.  Let’s set the example for our sons and daughters and pursue Christ instead of sinking in the sea of fear and worry.


Pray without ceasing.


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