The Power You Need to Obey Jesus’ Command

He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. Matthew 14:29 Jesus can impart His power so that you can do what would not otherwise be possible. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). What has Jesus called you to do that you fear is beyond you? You say, “I cannot do it.” Yes, you can, for Jesus will give you what you need to do what He is calling you to do. This is good news, because Jesus calls us to a life that is impossible apart from His power: “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:16); “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31); “Fear not” (Isa. 43:1). What Jesus commands might seem impossible, but when He calls you to do something, He will give you the power to do it. On one occasion, Jesus met a man with a withered hand. His hand was limp, and he could not move it. Jesus said, “Stretch out your hand” (Mark 3:5). What an extraordinary thing to say, for that is exactly what the man could not do. But the Scripture says, “He stretched it out, and his hand was restored” (3:5). Jesus gave the power with the command. Jesus gave Peter a single command: “Come.” The only problem was that to obey the command, Peter had to walk on water. Jesus says, “Come” to all of us. “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden” (Matt. 11:28). “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37). What do you have to overcome to get to Jesus? Maybe you have thought about following Jesus. Remember, He will give you all that you need to do what He is calling you to do.   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk