DIGGING DEEP NO. 861 – December 15, 2020 CHARACTER STUDY – Peter Lord! Save Me: A cry for help or admission of powerlessness – Matt 14:30

Looking at the world around us today, there are powerful (wo)men. Some people believe they are al-most-mighty. They think it all starts and ends with them. I have grown to call this class of people assistant Jesus Christ!  If one thing we know is certain, though, there ain’t nobody like our God.

In the Christian circle, one of the misquoted verses is “…I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me…” This, most of the time, is said, whispered, or chanted so often that we have forgotten exactly what the text means. The key to doing all things doesn’t lie in my/your power, strength, intellect, degrees, connections, etc. but solely in the saving grace of God through Christ Jesus.

When storms of life happen, it is easy to act like Peter. We become so fixated on the problems around us that we lose sight of our Savior, who is standing beside us. While some men may trust in their bows and arrows, and others in their chariots and horses, we, Christians, are supposed to find it easier because we only have one reference point, the author and finisher of our faith, Christ Jesus.

DISCUSSION

1. Jesus’ assurance is forever available v27

Question: Why then do bad things happen to us? Job 2:1-6

2. Holding God to his word v28

Question: Isn’t this the same as tempting God? Judges 6:17, 36-40

3. Ask, and it shall be given v29

Question: What is/are those things God would not give? Matt 7:7

4. Fear vs Doubt vs Faith v30

Question: Wait!!! Did great uncle P just de-rep himself, asking for help and all?

Question: Can we conclude this matter once and for all that great uncle Pete lacks faith?

5. Always and forever ready to weigh in v31

Question: At what point is the outstretched hand of God not long enough to save us?

CONCLUSION

Whatever you are going through right now, be encouraged: Christ is your anchor. He can do the impossible, and He will not let you drown. How far down the rabbit hole we have gone, or how unsavable we are, remains only a figment of our imaginations. Save me, Lord is not a chant only meant for the unrighteous. It’s a phrase meant for all. Hold onto hope by fixing your eyes on Him. May God save us all. Amen