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Thrive.
A study demonstrating how we can thrive in our Christian
walk, not just survive.
Matthew 14:22-33 NLT
Immediately after this, Jesus made his disciples get back
into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake while he sent the people
home. Afterward he went up into the
hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the
disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and
they were fighting heavy waves.
About
Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to
you by walking on water."
"All right, come." Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the
boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he looked around at the
high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he
shouted. Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him "You don't
have much faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" And when
they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped
him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.
FAILURE TO THRIVE
is an actual cause of death. Infants may be offered medical treatment, food and
shelter, but there have been cases where babies have actually died in
orphanages because they have not been held. We all need love! Even if
everything in your life is just peachy, you can fail to thrive if you don't
know that you are loved.
Do you know that God loves you?
This is a huge question, and not
just because of the font. For real, do you believe it?
You are loved! You have everything
you need to make it through every storm that comes your way, because you have
the creator of the Universe asking for you to join Him walking on the water,
living mystified by the miracle of being in His Holy presence! NOTHING ELSE
COMPARES!!!
Do you want to thrive?
Do you want to be unafraid,
uninhibited and unleashed to live passionately with all of your heart? Do you
want to make a difference in this crazy world? Do you want to live a life
without regrets? Do you want to know your destiny? Do you want to see your
dreams come true?
YES!!!
I do! I want all of that and
more! I believe this is the abundant life that Jesus invites all of us to
experience - an excellent existence.
REALITY CHECK
Look at your life. Are you overwhelmed
with problems that seem to have no solutions? Is your life full of noise and
other people's expectations? Do all of the squeaky wheels seem to get your
grease?
GOD doesn't squeak! He is here,
but He will not demand your attention. He deserves it. Will you give Him your
undivided attention? Will you acknowledge His presence in the middle of the
wind and the waves and lock eyes with His gaze?
I know that you have storms in
your life. Jesus has the power to calm the storm, but He might not be interested
in answering prayers that will allow us to trust Him less. He wants our faith
to grow. This will require trust. If you know that He loves you, then you can
trust Him. GET OUT OF THE BOAT! You can rise above the storms in your life and
experience the miracles that Jesus offers, if you fix your eyes on your
Savior's face. Don't wait for someone else to go with you. Only one believer
got out of the boat. Don't wait for the storm to pass. Jesus is LORD over your
storm.
You were born to THRIVE!!!
Questions:
Know what God has to say about you! Do not believe the enemy of your soul who
tells you that you are unlovable! Believe His word…
1. Do you believe that God loves you? What scriptures can
you find to back up your answer?
Read 1 John 3:1 and Ps. 139:1-18
2. What are you afraid of? What holds you back? What is
your boat that you cling to for safety? Give it up to God in prayer and trust
Him to be your Savior. He is what you want!
Read Psalm 27 and Hebrews 13:5-6
3. How is thriving different from striving?
Read Ephesians 2:4-10
4. How can you fix your eyes on Jesus in the center of a
raging storm?
Psalm 46:1-3 and Hebrews 12:2-3
5. What are the storms in your life?
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Inc., 2003 • www.lifepromotions.com
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