“Faith is courage; it is creative while despair is always destructive.”  David S. Muzzey

 ²⁸ And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” ²⁹ So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

Matthew 14:28-29

As I ponder on the aspects of Forging Ahead In Trustful Hope, one realizes how easy it is to forge ahead when the sun is shining and situations seem optimal.  But the ability to forge ahead is truly necessary in the face of life’s storms.  In Matthew 14, we see the story of the disciples who were sent out on a boat to go to the other side and Jesus said he would meet them a little later.  It was a day of great ministry.  They just witnessed Jesus feeding the five thousand with just five loaves and two fishes!   Each disciple had a basketful of leftovers; so amazing! Faith was high, confidence was great!  Now they were going to take a gentle boat ride to the other side, when suddenly there was a storm out of nowhere! 

All confidence was lost! The disciples panicked, wishing Jesus was there, and lo and behold Jesus who was praying is now walking across the stormy waves to reassure them that all is well.  Fear had so gripped the heart of the disciples that it was easier to believe it was a ghost then Jesus himself.   

Then Peter says, Lord if it is you, bid me to “come”!  Jesus said one simple word, a word that caused Peter to step out and forge ahead. He said “come.” Peter then stepped out and did what he had never done before even in the midst of the storm.  Many times people focused on Peter sinking, but no other disciple ever walked on water.  In the midst of the storm Peter tuned to the voice of God and then responded to it. When he did, he did the impossible!

I want to encourage even in the midst of your storm keep Forging Ahead In Trustful Hope, listening to the voice of God.  Jesus is always speaking even in the storm.  He is always saying “COME”; “Come to me and together the impossible will be possible!”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. and eat!

John 7:37 (NIV)

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

Revelation 22:17