Christian

Faith Over Fear: Lessons from Peter Walks on Water

 "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. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:25-33 (emphasis mine)

Peter walked out onto the water because he had faith. But when he saw the wind he was afraid and began to sink. In the storms of life, focus on Jesus, not the storm. It’s a spiritual battle, but you have the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God!

Several years ago, I found myself in the greatest spiritual battle of my life – against fear. You can read about it in my post Choose Faith Over Fear HERE.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:10-17 (emphasis mine)

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Understanding Daniel’s Prophecy: Hope in Troubling Times

1-minute devotion for Friday, 8/8/25

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:1-3 NIV (emphasis mine) Read full chapter

The wise not only understand God’s salvation but are active in turning many to righteousness even during the most perilous times. God will reward them by making them “shine like the sun” throughout eternity. See Matthew13:43. (Jeremiah Study Bible Notes)

Personal note: I know that sometimes we procrastinate when it comes to studying prophecy, thinking it’s too difficult to understand. However, there is an excellent, easy-to-read book that I highly recommend. It lays out the deep connection between Daniel and Revelation: DISCOVERING DANIEL by Amir Tsarfati (available on Amazon)

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

God Is My Strength

1-minute devotion for 8/7/25

“I am always with you;
    you hold me by my right hand.
 You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will take me into glory.
 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 73:23-26 NIV (emphasis mine)

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Verses for Meditation, 8/22/24

But Zion said, “The Lord has abandoned me,
And the Lord has forgotten me.”
 “Can a woman forget her nursing child
And have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.  Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;” Isaiah 49:14-16 NASB (emphasis mine)

In His Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

RealChristianWomen.blog  

Christian

Choose Faith Over Fear

After church one Wednesday night, my daughter asked me to stop by her house because she had something to tell me. I knew right then I needed to brace myself. I had no idea what she wanted to tell me, but I had a feeling it was going to be something I wouldn’t like.

She sat me down on the couch and with all seriousness she said, “God has called me to be a missionary. I’m going to Africa. My heart practically stopped.

The witness in my spirit said this was of God, but the mother in me froze in fright. She wasn’t going with an established missionary society. She was just going alone. But first, she would be stopping off in Bangladesh. (I reminded myself to breathe.)

She Face-Timed me along the way. “Hi Mom, I’m at the airport in Istanbul!” (Breathe!)

“Hi Mom, I’m in Kisumu. A man just asked Helen how many cows he would need to pay to marry me! (Breathe!)

Then, COVID-19 hit, and all flights to America from Nairobi were canceled. I didn’t know it then, but it would be six months before I would see her again. I’m sure I needed God’s strength more than she did. You’ll understand if you’re a mother.

She had never lived far from me. I thought I could always protect her and keep her from harm. Now she was on the other side of the world. I was in for the greatest spiritual battle of my life – against fear.

I made a conscious decision to trust God and not cave in to fear. I fiercely fought against fear every day, refusing to let it in for even a minute. I refused to entertain thoughts of what could happen. I knew that if I didn’t trust the Lord to bring her home safe and sound, I would never make it.

God gave me the peace that passes understanding. I know that. It wasn’t by my own strength. It was the grace of God.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Clinging to the Lord and His precious promises, I wrote this poem, now a song.

The song, Your Love, Oh God https://suno.com/s/UzqYAGrjhF6JyfpO

The Poem, My Prayer

Your love, O God,
Will hold us near.
It shields us from
our darkest fears.

In times of darkness
Where I can't see,
Your loving eye
Will watch for me.

When I can't see
What lies ahead,
I'll trust you, Lord,
And what You've said.

Your promises
Are my delight.
They guide my way.
They are my light.

With my whole heart
I trust in you.
Your loving hands
Will see us through.

Your faithful love
Forever watches
Your precious child
In all Earth's places.

In Africa, playing cards with the boys before bedtime.

“God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.‘” Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid.” Psalm 56:3-4 NIV

The Lord kept her safe and brought her home again. It was the experience of a lifetime – for both of us!

Maybe you’re wondering, “How? How do I trust and not give in to fear? Here are some practical steps you can take:

  • Write down the Scripture verses that strengthen your faith.
  • Read them whenever doubt starts to creep in.
  • Ask God to give you more faith to believe His promises.
  • Thank God daily for being with you (and her) every step of the way.

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.