Man may be able to restore a ship wreck, but only our God can restore a wrecked life!  

WHY? Because ‘what is impossible with man is possible with God’ (Luke 18:27 NIV).

If you were to explore the bottom of the sea bed you would discover many shipwrecks – boats that may have been destroyed during war time or by tragic accidents or been caught up in destructive storms. However, there are more wrecks on land than there are in deep seas and they are human lives.

What do we mean by this? Well, let’s first understand the definition of a wreck: ‘something that has been badly damaged/destroyed or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation’. I believe that sadly in this broken world there are many human wrecks. Many even use the expression, ‘I feel like a wreck’ or ‘my life is just a wreckage’. In other words, they feel totally hopeless, but we know that sin is the cause of this broken world, for without Christ there is no hope. Sin, which means ‘missing the mark’, has caused man to miss his or her ultimate purpose here on earth and suffer its consequences.    

Here is what Scripture tells us:

‘All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23 NIV).

‘None is righteous, no, not one’ (Romans 3:10 NIV).

‘Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came’ (Romans 5:12 NIV).

Yes, man became a wreck through disobedience, because Paul as reminds us; we are ‘dead in trespasses and sins’ (Ephesians 2:1 NKJV). But be encouraged, for there is hope, meaning a joyful expectation that something good is about to happen. Scripture tells us in God’s is ‘not willing that any should perish’ (2 Peter 3:9 NKJV). And because of His extravagant love for all, He made a way to restore humanity by coming to seek and save that which was lost; in another words, to restore our wrecked lives out of despair and eternal damnation. 

So, let’s look at three types of wreck and see how Jesus dealt with them during His time on earth:

1. Only Jesus is able to restore completely any moral wreck

John 4 tells us of the woman at the well who came to draw water and then had an amazing encounter with Jesus, and then experienced a total life transformation which led to the first recorded revival in the Gospels (see John 4:1-26 NIV). Just as Jesus did not judge her because of her lifestyle, nor will He judge you. You may say; ‘David, if you knew what I’ve done, you would understand that there is no hope for me’. You may be like this woman, thirsty for true satisfaction. Well, come to Jesus and He will quench your thirst like no-one else can and totally restore your wrecked life.

2. Only Jesus is able to restore completely any physical wreck

In John 5, we have the account of a man who was a physical wreck; paralysed for 38 years (see John 5:1-15). But when he met Jesus, he was totally healed of his paralysis. The same compassion that Jesus demonstrated to the man is still available for you today, irrespective how bad your physical needs are. Jesus has not changed – He is still the same yesterday, today and for ever. He cares for you and he is still the divine physician, able to heal and restore you right now as you call upon His name.

3. Only Jesus is able to restore completely any spiritual wreck

In John 3 we have a man called Nicodemus; he was a very religious man but he recognised that his religion only made him a spiritual wreck (see John 3:1-21 NIV). He desired to meet with Jesus and he allowed Him to restore his life from religiosity to relationship with Jesus. You see, religions are man’s search for God – the gospel is God’s search for man. There are many religions in our world today, but only one gospel. You may be very religious, but that does not make you a born-again Christian no more that living in a garage makes you a car! If you have not yet experienced this new birth that Nicodemus discovered, let me encourage you to do what Nicodemus did – come to Jesus as you are, leave your religiosity aside, and start a relationship with Christ. Your life will never be the same again. You’ll experience not just life, but life to the full, as Jesus promised in John 10:10. 

Let me conclude with the story of the Mary Rose, King Henry VIII’s favourite ship, which sank in 1545 before his very eyes as it was leaving Portsmouth harbour. A search for the wreckage started in 1965, then it was identified in 1971 and lifted in 1982. The Mary Rose is now located within Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and attracts many visitors every year. The wreck has not been restored but conserved as it was found. Man could restore the Mary Rose to its original beauty like he can restore many things, but only God can restore completely a wrecked life, for ‘what is impossible with man is possible with God’ (Luke 18:27 NIV). Whatever wreck you may feel you are, whether morally, physically or spiritually, let me tell you there is truly hope for you today. Jesus is faithful, able, true to His Word and a real hope in time of need. So come to Him now and watch this space!

Recently I had the honour and privilege to be speaking at the NTCG Convention and the theme for the event was ‘CONFIDENCE IN GOD’. What an appropriate theme for the season we are in! 

We are in a world where confidence is being shaken in every way; in government leaders, in the economy, in health care, life in general and much more. 

Also, we live in a world where self-confidence is the phrase of this century. There’s so much talk about self-confidence and how important it is. Yes, confidence is important, however as Christians, do we really think we should be relying on ourselves instead of God? Well, my answer is simple: ‘absolutely not!’

Why do we all need to have confidence in God today in this challenging world? Well, the first step is that we all need to have a relationship with our creator who wants to be our Heavenly Father, for He has made a way through His son Jesus Christ to transfer us from a shaken kingdom to His kingdom which will never be shaken.

And when we are in relationship with God, we have the confidence to not only share our lives with Him but with all those God puts in our path. When we believe that His Word is in us there is nothing that can stop us from reflecting God’s love to others and helping others to discover and embrace God for themselves. We can experience confidence in the most reliable person in the world; our Lord and Saviour.

Let’s look closely at four areas where we can be confident in God:

• Confidence in God’s providence

God’s providence is God’s caring provision for his people as he guides them in their journey of faith through life, accomplishing his purpose in and through them. Remember, God’s ultimate mission is to save people and shape them to be more like Christ.

• Confidence in God’s purpose 

This declares why you exist. It captures the heart of why you are on this planet Earth and why Jesus died for you. It defines your life, not in terms of what you think but in terms of what God thinks about you. In fact, it anchors your life in the character and call of God and brings meaning to your life. 

Please never forget that all human beings were and are created with the intent of not just experiencing life but enjoying abundant living. And that is for you too! They were created to experience fruitfulness and growth, multiplication and expansion, and much more, and they are all part of God’s plan. Remember, we are called to be good stewards of everything that God has entrusted us with during our time here on earth, so let’s not confuse purpose with performance. Too many lose their ultimate purpose because they focus only on what gratifies their ego – so beware! 

• Confidence in God’s presence 

God’s presence is everywhere. This is sometimes called Omnipresence.

Moses declared, ‘I will not go unless your presence comes with me’ (see Exodus 33:15 NIV). Moses knew the value of God’s presence, so much so that he essentially said, ‘unless God’s presence is with me, my life is meaningless’.

However, knowing God’s presence is one thing, but knowing his manifested presence is another. Too many have no knowledge of His presence apart from their initial encounter at salvation. Although they are carrying His presence with them wherever they go, in reality they have never experienced His manifested presence in their daily lives. If that is you, let me encourage you: allow God by His Holy Spirit who lives within you to be manifested in you and through you, and I can promise you that your world will change for ever.

• Confidence in God’s power 

Scripture tells us ‘”not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit” says the Lord’ (Zechariah 4:6 NIV).

We have been given power, by faith, to govern and control all things, both temporal and spiritual. To work miracles, to become victorious and not victims, to stand in the presence of God and be like Him because we have received the gift of faith, and through Christ have access to His power. In other words, let us use the fulness of the Godhead that lives within us and experience victorious living.

Let’s briefly look at what God declares in His Word about ‘CONFIDENCE IN HIM’: 

‘Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need’ (Hebrews 4:16 ESV).

‘For the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught’ (Proverbs 3:26 ESV).

‘And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us’ (1 John 5:14 ESV).

‘Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.’ (Hebrews 10:35 ESV)

Yes, we all need to have confidence in God, but the real question is; where does true confidence come from? Well, Scripture tells us it can only come from Christ. Why? Because He is not only the way and the life but He is truth Himself, and if your confidence is coming from any other source, it will fail you in the end. So today, put your confidence in the one who really cares for you and wants you to enjoy life to the full, and His name is Jesus. 

So, what is confidence and why is it so important for us today as believers to know what it truly means, as opposed to its meaning in modern society?

Well, confidence can be described as faith, trust, belief and much more.

God’s confidence is when your faith is rooted and grounded in who you are in Jesus Christ. 
It is about being confident in who God is, in the finished work of Christ on the cross and experiencing the power of His resurrection.

It means completely relying on the strength of God and not your own strength. 

God’s confidence has unlimited possibilities when we are truly confident and secure in who we are in Christ.

People’s opinions and views of us cannot control us; they cannot define us or our future. What matters is God’s view of you and who he says you are.

Your new life as you know it is wrapped up in Christ and in Christ you are a new creation. so BE CONFIDENT IN HIM WHO IS, WHO WAS, AND WHO WILL BE. He is immovable, incredible, His providence can be relied upon. Remember, He has made us purposeful, He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us and He has given us all authority and power to be victorious in this life. So today, enjoy your relationship with your God and PUT YOUR CONFIDENCE IN HIM.

‘The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)

How do we discover God’s abundant peace in the middle of your toughest trials? Let’s look first at the context of Paul’s letter to the Philippians and his declaration about the peace that surpasses all understanding. Where was Paul when he wrote the letter? It is so important to understand that Paul wrote these words while suffering with great physical pain, but in spite of his pain he was willing to give thanks to God from the depth of his prison cell, even in the middle of his toughest circumstances. Paul knew that only God could guard his heart and mind, even in his time of isolation and loneliness. Why? Well, let’s look at three ways that Paul managed to keep strong against all the odds, that can help us today to find real peace that surpasses all understanding:

• BY HEARING GOD’S VOICE AND ABIDING IN GOD’S WORD: 

By hearing God’s voice and abiding in His Word, Paul was able to abide daily with his Lord, for to abide means to ‘stay’ or ‘remain’. Yes, to abide in the Lord means that we continually receive, believe and trust that Jesus is all we need. We should never forget that just as it was for Jesus’ early disciples, our faith will also be tested. So, when you feel the heat of the test, that’s when you must intentionally keep His Word in you, which means that His Word must be our constant guide and compass. When His Word dwells within us it will shape our thoughts, words and actions so that we can bear not just fruit, nor more fruit; but much fruit, and fruit that will remain.

• BY NOT MAKING ANXIETY AND WORRY OUR FOCUS:

Paul’s declaration was, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God’ (Philippians 4:6 NIV). Even though he was in prison he took the focus from himself and still encouraged the Philippians to pray, to rejoice, and not to be anxious for anything. In Scripture Jesus talks about faith versus anxiety: ‘Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?’ (Matthew 6:27 NIV). He continues saying in verse 28, ‘and why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: they do not labour or spin.’ In other words, He’s telling His followers that He’s got it covered and if they have any doubt they need only notice the carefree attitude plants have. God commands us not to wrestle over problems but rather to leave our troubles, stresses and concerns to Him for His personal attention. And as we ask God for solutions we should do so with a grateful heart, demonstrating that we trust totally in Him to be the God who answers prayer. That’s what we call faith, so simple and yet so difficult for us as we often choose to stress over our problems. Struggling over our worries assumes we have more power and control than we do, but true freedom from worry comes from releasing them to God. So here is my advice: let them go!

• BY SERVING OTHERS WILLINGLY AND CHEERFULLY: 

Paul’s focus was not on himself but in spite of his own circumstances he was willing to encourage others. He did that by intentionally writing a letter to the Philippian church, so let me encourage you to find a way to serve someone else and that will redirect your attention from yourself and allow you to bless and care for someone who God has placed on your heart. Over the years, for me this has been texting words of encouragement as well as scriptures, writing blogs, recording messages and praying for others, and I can honestly tell you it definitely takes your focus away from your own problems, difficulties, and anxieties. Why don’t you try it for yourself? So today, intentionally abide in God’s Word, don’t make anxiety and worry your focus and invest your time in blessing others, just as Paul did in the middle of his own trials. Lastly, remember:

• The Lord is nearby! 

• Don’t be anxious about anything. 

• Instead, with thanksgiving tell your requests to God. 

• And experience the peace that surpasses all understanding that will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Last week, we looked at Isaiah 40:31 which tells us, ‘Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles’ (Isaiah 40:31 NIV). We started to look at some of the characteristics of the eagle that can help all of us in our Christian walk to go to higher levels by soaring on wings like eagles. So today, let’s focus on three more characteristics in readiness to embrace an unprecedented move of God:

• Eagles are fearless

You’ll find that an eagle is fearless and will never yield to whatever challenges it may face; even the size or strength of its prey will not deter it. It fights to win, not to capitulate. This reminds me of this statement made by Napoleon Hill: ‘a quitter never wins and a winner never quits!’
Can I suggest, although in no doubt Satan is the fierce Enemy of our souls and will bring all kinds of challenges to hinder God’s intention for us to reach new levels, we need to be aware that also our greatest enemy very often is ourselves, allowing us to be crippled by fear that negates our faith. Although faith is not the absence of fear, but the mastering of it, let’s stand on God’s Word that declares ‘who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world’ (1 John 4:4 NIV). So, like the eagle, face your problems face on, ‘BE FEARLESS,’ and never forget our Almighty God is on your side and will help you by His Holy Spirit to reach levels beyond your expectations.

• Eagles are courageous

Eagles may seem shy and avoid people and other threats, however, don’t be deceived: if an eagle has to protect itself and their family, they will display their courage at its best and demonstrate their power to fight. In life we also face obstacles that seem bigger than we can cope with, however, remember God’s Word to Joshua ‘be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’ (Joshua 1:9 NIV). If there was a time where we needed to stand and be courageous it is now! So today, BE COURAGEOUS FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU!

• Eagles embrace a personal renewal/revival

When eagles reach the age of 40 years, they become weak and their survival becomes challenging. If they choose the path to regain their strength they have to go through a process of rebirth. They retire to a lonely place for five months where they undergo a painful process which concludes with them having a new beak, new talons and new feathers. This process brings a renewal and extends their life by up to 30 years.

What an important lesson for us today! Life will take us through times of pain which will reshape us in readiness for us to experience the promise of an unprecedented move of God. But we must be willing to embrace a renewal in the Holy Spirit, which is a personal revival, and that will mean we need to change our habits and leave our comfort zone and sometimes even to go a step further: that is having to die to self, allowing us to start a renewed life full of the Holy Spirit, strength and wisdom, to fulfil our God-given assignment.

In conclusion: If we are to endure these very challenging days, let’s be like the eagle: FEARLESS, and remember that God is bigger and more powerful than anything we might fear. Let’s not allow fear to hold us back from doing His will. We cannot only trust God in the absence of fear but rather trust Him despite fear. With God by your side, you can be fearless as well as being COURAGEOUS. Know that God will not fail you or forsake you as you step in faith in what He has called you to do. In these times of shaking, remember that politicians may be able to change laws but they can’t change hearts, and for true revival to happen there must be a change of heart. Only the work of the Holy Spirit has the power to transform lives. So today, be FEARLESS, COURAGEOUS and be RENEWED in hope, which is a joyful expectation that something good is about to happen. And –

NEVER FORGET

‘Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.’ (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

• You are the eagle
• The wings of the eagles represent your faith and trust in God
• The wind currents that the eagles fly on represent the Holy Spirit

Let’s stay in Luke 24 and focus on this verse which says – ‘Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him’ (v. 31 NIV).

Let me continue to paraphrase the account in Luke 24 where, in the middle of their sadness and disappointment, Jesus appears to the two disciples but they did not recognise Him. After they urged and pleaded with the stranger to remain with them, Jesus went with them into the village and joined them at the table for supper, took bread, blessed it and broke it, then gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened and they realised He was Jesus! Then in a flash, Jesus vanished from before their eyes!

Just imagine how they must have felt: one moment they were enjoying His presence, His words, then suddenly their eyes were opened to who was in their midst, the very Jesus that they were talking about – and in a split second he vanishes! 

Do you know that you can be in the very presence of Jesus and not recognise Him? That’s what happened with those two disciples on the Emmaus Road. They journeyed with Him, talked to Him, heard Him speaking powerful words, to the point that once Jesus left them, they said to each other at ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road?’ (v. 32 NKJV.)

You see, we can be so close to Jesus and yet so far. Many today have journeyed with Jesus, talked to Him, heard Him and yet not recognised Him. Today, may God open our eyes and gives us a fresh revelation of Himself, that His Word may once again burn within us, spurring us on to go and tell the good news that Jesus is risen!

The word SUDDENLY speaks of an unexpected event. The word ‘suddenly’ should be very important for us all today because it reminds us that just at our point of need, just when we need Him most, that is when Jesus wants to reveal Himself to us! And that is what these two disciples experienced after the resurrection when Jesus met them. In an instant, hope and peace was restored – they could see a future. They knew they would get through their disappointments and in that moment, they experienced the power of His resurrection for themselves.  

You see, resurrection power is the work of God in the life to come that reaches into our present and brings us into a union with Him. Did you know that resurrection power is working in us now? All who know Jesus as their personal Saviour can activate the resurrection power inside them. That is what the apostle Paul said; ‘I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead’ (Philippians 3:10 NLT). And today, we too can experience that very same power!

Last weekend, Easter weekend, we remembered the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He experienced willingly to provide us with abundant life for now and for eternity. Sadly, it is often celebrated by most people only as a once-a-year event, yet we are meant to live and operate in resurrection power every day!

So, today let’s open our eyes to the risen Lord and once again allow His word to burn within each one of us and activate the resurrection power by allowing Jesus Christ to reveal Himself afresh into our life as our Lord and Saviour. Let’s experience every yoke that we carry to be destroyed under His resurrection power and enjoy every part of THE BLESSING that Christ has released by giving us eternal life.

After reflecting on Good Friday and praising God for all what He has done for all of us on the cross, we find ourselves here, on this Easter Sunday morning. What better time to revisit the account recorded in Luke 24 of what happened to two of Jesus’ disciples and to see what we can learn from their amazing Resurrection Sunday experience.

Let me paraphrase the story:

Later that same day, two of Jesus’ disciples were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a journey of about seventeen miles. They were in the midst of a discussion about all the events of the last few days, when suddenly Jesus walked up to them and went along with them on their journey. Now, they were unaware that it was actually Jesus walking alongside them, for God prevented them from recognising him. Jesus said to them, ‘You seem to be in a deep discussion about something. What are you talking about, so sad and downcast?’ They stopped, and one of them called Cleopas asked him, ‘Haven’t you heard? Are you the only one in Jerusalem unaware of the things that have happened over the last few days?’

Jesus asked, ‘What things?’ ‘The things about Jesus, the man from Nazareth,’ they both replied. ‘He was a mighty prophet of God who performed miracles, signs and wonders. His words were powerful and he had great favour with God and the people. But three days ago, the high priest and the rulers of the people sentenced him to death and had him crucified. We had hoped that he was the one who would redeem and rescue Israel. But not only that, early this morning, some of the women informed us of something amazing. They said they went to the tomb and found it empty. They claimed that two angels appeared and told them that Jesus is now alive. Some of us even went to see for ourselves and found the tomb exactly as the women had said – empty. But you know what? No-one has seen him. We are confused, which is why we are sad and disheartened’ (see Luke 24:13-24 NIV).

So many today, on this Easter Sunday, will be sad and disheartened and broken by their own circumstances, not realising that Easter is much more than a religious event in the calendar – it is a message of hope to all mankind.  

Let’s get back to our story and find out what the disciples discovered. As they approached the village, Jesus walked on ahead, telling them he was going on to a different place. They urged him to remain there with them and pleaded, ‘Stay with us. It will be dark soon.’ So, Jesus went with them into the village. Joining them at the table for supper, he took bread and blessed it and broke it, then gave it to them. And suddenly their eyes were opened and they realised that he was Jesus!

Why did Jesus wait until he was at the table to reveal Himself? There is something relaxing about the fellowship of the table and I believe it’s a place of intimacy and friendship, a place where relationships are strengthened. Also, in breaking bread and drinking the wine He revealed to them that He had given Himself as their substitute and that He was now very much alive so that all may receive eternal life. That is how Jesus wants to make himself known to all those who don’t know Him and are in desperate need. Yes, He wants all to know that not only did He give himself and pay a price that we could not pay by dying in a very cruel way on a rugged cross, but to know that the grave could not hold Him. He truly rose on the third day as prophesied through His Word. So, at this Easter Sunday lunch table, stop and ask Jesus for a fresh revelation of the power that His resurrection can and will bring to anyone who believes and calls upon Him, that they will receive not only life but eternal life to the full.

Today, are you on the Emmaus Road? Are you sad, disappointed, feeling at a loss, asking about why your journey seems to be a never-ending one? Are you full of questions but have no answers? Well, just as these disciples experienced Jesus in that moment when he drew near to them, so can you. Jesus wants to draw near to you in your own situation. Don’t do what these two disciples did – don’t mistake Him as a stranger, but accept Him as your friend who wants to ask you this question; ‘WHY ARE YOU SAD?’ His question is really an invitation for you to discover Him and experience your heart burning with the flames of holy passion while He journeys with you and opens your eyes to the profound revelation of His resurrection.

So, this Easter, let the Emmaus Road story be more than a historical event – let it be a living experience for you now. Let it provide a pathway for you or anyone who wishes to move from disappointment to hope. May this journey of fresh revelation of the power of His resurrection renew your mind and instil a willingness to let go of your sadness and disappointment so you can go rejoicing, telling others of the true meaning of Easter that JESUS IS RISEN INDEED!!

Recently, this scripture caught my attention! – ‘Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles’ (Isaiah 40:31 NIV). So let’s try to answer the question: how do we soar on wings like eagles?

Let’s learn how the characteristics of the eagle can help us in our Christian walk.

One of my favourite birds is the eagle. It is an incredibly powerful bird with the ability to fly at a high altitude. It flies where no other bird can fly and it would be classed for me as the king of all birds. Isaiah tells us that if we hope in the LORD our strength will be renewed and we’ll soar on wings like eagles (see Isaiah 40:31 NIV). You see, God desires for us not to flap, nor even fly, but to soar on wings like eagles. In other words, to reach high places beyond our imagination. Let’s start today to consider and see what life lessons we can learn about the eagle.

• Eagles fly to heights where no others can fly.

Eagles don’t fly with sparrows, pigeons or with any other small birds. They fly alone and at high altitudes. What does that mean for us today? Don’t rub shoulders with narrow or low-minded people or with anyone that brings you down; remember you become what you focus upon. If you rub shoulders with like-minded people, people who have a great attitude to fly to high altitude, just like the eagle flies with other eagles, you will fly with high-minded people. It’s true to say that at the top it can be lonely; however, remember that God is with you and will never leave you nor forsake you, He has promised to be with you always. Don’t ever belittle yourself for what God has in store for you, which is higher levels to attain. He will renew your strength to not flap, nor fly but as His Word declares, to soar on wings like eagles.

• Eagles have very focused vision.

Eagles have a piercing vision which is very precise. They have the capacity to focus on something as far as 5km away and they have an incredible focus – they will keep their sharp focus on their prey and not move until they seize it. We must have an undivided focus if we are to execute our God-given vision, in spite of whatever challenges we may face. So, let us be focused and give every effort, time and energy and watch what God will do as we stay focused on our God-given vision.

• Eagles love storms.

When clouds gather, the eagle gets excited and ready themselves to use the raging storms and its high winds to lift them up above the clouds, giving them an opportunity to glide and rest their wings. We all face challenges in our lives, but we should know that these experiences will make us stronger in readiness to fly in high places. So, let’s use our storms of life to rise to greater heights and remind ourselves that achievers are not afraid to rise to greater levels, nor afraid of challenges, but in fact they relish high and strong winds, knowing that they will lead them to places others cannot reach! So, start to get excited when your storms arrive and get ready to catch the wind of the Holy Spirit to go higher than ever before.

• Eagles feed on fresh food/meat.

Eagles feed only on FRESH PREY. That means for us we need to feed ourselves on the fresh bread of the WORD OF GOD and not rely on yesterday’s manna, as good as it may have been. If we are to grow spiritually and go onto maturity and higher levels then let’s move on from the milk of the Word to fresh solid food, just as instructed in the divine cookery book. Hebrews 5:14 reminds us that ‘solid food is for the mature’ (Hebrews 5:14 NIV). God wants us to grow! He wants us to move beyond the elementary stages of milk into solid food to enable us to grow into maturity, to have the strength to soar to higher levels. So, let’s get into the meat of God’s Word, ready to soar to your destined heights.

Let’s get back to our verse in Isaiah 40: ‘But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint’ (v. 31 NKJV).

Remember, God is trying to draw all of us into this specific scripture so we can grasp the revelation contained in it. If we are to wait upon the Lord and stay very focused, ready to catch the wind of the Holy Spirit and get into His Word daily, then we will not flap but soar into higher places that we could ever imagine to accomplish our God-given assignment. We shall run and not be weary, we will walk and not faint and that is only possible as we wait upon the Lord. Then, we’ll mount up with wings like eagles into heights that He has destined for each and every one of us. So, let’s wait in readiness for it and watch this space!

NOT FORGETTING

• You are the eagle
• The wings of the eagles represent our faith and trust in God
• The wind currents that the eagles fly on represent the Holy Spirit

So, what lessons can we still learn today from Peter’s experience of walking on water?

• Storms will not keep you from peace once you know it’s found in the presence of Jesus

It’s interesting to note that Jesus did not calm the water as He came towards the disciples but on Peter’s request, Jesus invited him to walk on water in the middle of the storm. That speaks of Jesus being our peace in the middle of any rough storms of life. Our expectation is often for Jesus to calm the storm as He has on other occasions, but never forget we have never been promised a smooth ride, but we have been promised that Jesus will always be with us in our storms. The fact that Peter walked on water tells us that even in the tumult of life we can find true peace. The storms of life give us good reason to be afraid but Jesus is bigger than even the scariest of storms and remember, Jesus is your friend. 

• Faith will always require you to step out of the boat

Remember, FAITH is spelled R.I.S.K., meaning as we said last week, believing is not enough. Too many have passive FAITH but what is required is ACTIVE FAITH. Anyone can step out of the boat when the waters are still, but to step out into rough water needs total reliance and trust upon our Lord. Why? Because peace is found in the presence of Jesus and nowhere else, even in the middle of the fiercest storm. So today, stop sitting on the edge of the boat and be bold and respond to Jesus when He tells you to come. Step out of the boat and experience the peace that surpasses all understanding, as Paul talks about in Philippians 4:6.

• Without keeping your eyes on Jesus, you will sink

Peter’s walk on the water was short lived. Why? Because he took his eyes off Jesus. If we are truly honest, many of our defeats are due to the fact that we take our eyes from Jesus and focus on the storms, bringing us into a place of fear which will negate our faith. Just like Peter, many will start well and will boldly step out of the boat but soon be distracted by the elements of their own circumstances. Here is my advice: life is full of storms, big storms, storms that will destroy you unless you keep your eyes on Jesus. With Jesus, you are not only able to endure, you can walk on water above the storm. So today, keep your eyes on Jesus. 

• Follow Jesus and He will do incredible things through you by His Holy Spirit, if you trust in Him

When you look at Peter’s life following his experience of walking on water, we see how strengthened he became in his service for the Lord. He became a great man of God doing great exploits for Him. Later with greater maturity Peter discovered strength and as he was charged by Jesus (see Luke 22:31-32 NIV) effected the strengthening of others. Finally, Peter survived his denial and is permitted to be the first of the Apostles to see Jesus after the Resurrection (see Luke 24:34 NIV). Also, I believe that Peter would have been talking about the time he walked on water for the rest of his life, not only what He experienced but what he learnt through it which made him stronger in his faith for the Lord. So, there is hope for all of us! God can use our failures, which by the way are not fatal, to lead us into maturity and use us still in an unprecedented way. Make sure that in whatever situation you find yourself, you obey God’s command to the letter, trust Him implicitly and make walking on water not just a once in a lifetime experience but rather a daily lifestyle.

Here are the words of Jesus: ‘why did you doubt?’ (Matthew 14:31 NIV)

You see, God’s desire is for us to overcome our doubts, because doubt is poison and you don’t need much of it before it will kill your zeal for service in God’s kingdom.

In Matthew 14, after Peter’s bold step of faith in walking on the water to meet Jesus, it was not long before he found himself sinking and crying aloud the shortest prayer recorded in the New Testament: ‘Lord, save me!’ (Matthew 14:30 NIV). After Jesus lifted him to safety He said to Peter, ‘why did you doubt?’ (Matthew 14:31 NIV). I am sure that it’s a statement that we can all identify with at one point or another in our Christian walk, even at the boldest moments of our lives!

So, what can we learn from Peter’s experience to help us overcome our doubt today? 

First what is the meaning of the word doubt? ‘It’s to question, suspect, distrust, be uncertain, refuse to believe’. In other words, when you doubt something, you’re wavering. ‘I think I believe you – but maybe not – but maybe yes,’ etc. The sad thing is, we allow doubt to drag us down into fear, which will cripple our faith. In another account in Jesus said to His disciples ‘you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ To live in doubt is the slippery road to unbelief, and we neglect to use the power that God has given us to become an overcomer.

Some today live in constant doubt, even under the pretext of not wanting to make mistakes and find refuge in uncertainty, becoming paralysed and unable to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. Some others think that doubt is wisdom, being prudent; in fact, doubt is like a cancer that will eat away at your faith to live out God’s plan for your life and fulfil your destiny.

Also beware, as doubt is contagious and infectious, ready to destroy not only you but those around you and it starts in the mind, which is Satan’s battleground. Remember, God does not want us to live in doubt but in total faith. Here is what the Holy Spirit wants you to know: ‘ without faith, it is impossible to please God’ (Hebrews 11:6 NIV) and ‘faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead’ (James 2:11 NIV). Faith is not just about believing, but our belief must translate into active faith.

Peter not only knew that Jesus was there with him in the storm but he acted on His simple word – ‘COME’ – and without questioning, without wavering, without any doubt, Peter stepped out of the boat to experience one of the most unique events ever recorded – walking on water.

But what caused him to sink after such boldness? Well, he simply turned his eyes away from Jesus and started to look at the waves and high winds, then he lost his footing and panicked. Here is the key to walking on water and to see God’s amazing grace in whatever tough situation we may find ourselves in – make sure that we keep our eyes upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.  In spite of his failure, Peter found out that Jesus was only a prayer away. He simply cried out, ‘Lord save me!’ and Jesus answered him immediately. Can I encourage you today, if you feel that you’re sinking into deep unbelief to stop! and right now, cry out to Him this prayer from a Psalm: ‘Stretch out Your hand from above; Rescue me and deliver me out of great waters’  (Psalm 144:7 NKJV) and experience this powerful word in this verse: ‘whoever comes to me I will never drive away’ (John 6:37 NIV). Not only will He stretch out His hand to rescue you, but will pull you to safety. That’s the God we serve. 

Last time we learnt important lessons from the widow with the small jug of oil in 2 King 4:1-7. Today let’s continue to learn more lessons that will help us to discover God’s abundant blessings. Here are a few more:

1. God’s people sometimes fail to access the everlasting source that the world knows nothing about.

Well, this woman realised the value in seeking for her breakthrough. Focusing on verse 1, it is interesting to see that she knew who to cry out to. She went straight to someone who could lead her to her breakthrough. So many around us have nowhere to go, no refuge in time of trouble, and no one who can help them in their extreme situations (see Isaiah 32:2 and Psalm 46:1 NIV).

However just as we have the number 999 to call for help in case of emergency, I discovered years ago that there is a number that gives me great hope in time of trouble. That number is 333, which stands for Jeremiah 33:3: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Therefore, if you are in great need let me encourage you to take hold of the tremendous promise – or at least try it: call upon Him and from my own experience you’ll not be disappointed.

2. God’s people often look at what they have lost rather than what they still have.

Elisha asked a second question: ‘what do you have in your house?’ (2 Kings 4:2 NIV). Her perspective was so negative that she could not see that the answer was in her house. Often our answers are so near to us that we fail to see them. She had to change her perspective to be able to walk to her breakthrough. So, today it’s time to change your perspective and realise that your answer may not be as far away as you think. Remember your perspective will determine your breakthrough.

3. God’s people still have to learn to put their faith in action by trusting and obeying.

That is exactly what this woman did – not only did she hear the instruction given by Elisha, but she had to trust and obey and activate her faith!

God’s Word tells us clearly that obedience is better than sacrifice (see 1 Sam 15:22 NIV). Imagine she went to all her neighbours asking to borrow as many vessels as possible – it took boldness, confidence, and courage. Today, can I urge you to put your trust in the One who is, who was, and who will be? His name is Jesus and as you put your faith in action in Him, the author and finisher of our faith, I can tell you that expectation is fertile ground for a miracle! So, make sure you don’t miss out on it!

4. God’s people miss their best if they fail to understand that capacity determines the flow of God’s blessing.

Elisha told the woman: ‘Go around and ask all your neighbours for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few’ (2 Kings 4:3 NIV). Capacity always determines the flow of God’s blessing, for ‘according to your faith let it be done to you’ (Matthew 9:29 NIV). Those words of Jesus are still very relevant to us today. When Elisha asked her to get as many jars as possible, it was equivalent to asking her to create capacity. So, it is also the same for all of us today. Please note that the flow of oil only stopped when she ran out of jars. So, make room in your lives, increase your capacity and enjoy God’s abundant blessing!

Remember, if you are experiencing a testing time, don’t be discouraged and don’t give up, for your TEST will determine the testimony that will glorify God and God only. The outcome of the widow’s story was that not only did she become debt free and her sons were saved from slavery, but her future was secured. That brought her joy and peace of mind. This can also be the same for all of us in spite of whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. Never forget that with God all things are possible, for what seems little to us may just be the seed that brings the long-awaited harvest.