Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation. 

Today’s devotion was written by Jessica Gerth.

““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” (Matthew 14:28-29 NIV). 

I’ll never forget the surgeon’s relieved expression as I dropped my legs to the floor and stood on my own. It was just days after my second surgery in six months, which a spinal cord injury had complicated.  Miraculously, I wasn’t experiencing any of the feared outcomes. 

I’ve had many peaceful moments amidst the storms of life. But, when waiting seasons grow long and anxiousness consumes my spirit, doubt and fear begin to take root. 

However, a fearful heart cannot cultivate miracles. Miracles don’t happen because of our desire for them but because of faith. 

I try to imagine what Peter felt the moment his faith prompted him to ask permission to join Jesus upon the water. He’d seen miracles before - he’d participated in them. He surely understood the authority Jesus possessed as He walked upon the lake toward their boat. 

“Lord, if it’s you…”. The verse begins with a hint of uncertainty. Peter’s faith is much like mine, small and incomplete at times—a mixture of trust and doubt. Fortunately, God doesn’t wait for our faith to be perfect before He sends our miracle. He simply asks that we seek Him. Jesus says, “Come,” and Peter - needing only the direction, not the details - walks on water. He momentarily takes his eyes off Jesus, and falls, but he isn’t abandoned. 

It’s hard to understand why God would send us into a storm. But even when the disciples couldn’t see Jesus, He still saw them. And though my trust was weak, He saw me too. 

Just months after surgery, I carried my baby son and walked without pain. Miracles sometimes follow storms we didn’t ask for, but when our faith and trust are in Jesus, they are never far away. 

Reflect on the storms you have faced in your life and how you responded to the call of Jesus.  

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OHSOFREE Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com.