3 July 2023 - In difficult times: Jesus reaches out to us, if we call on his name

Matthew 14:28-31a(NLT) Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.

In verse 31 of Matthew 14, we see that after Peter called out to Jesus, Jesus immediately reached out to grab Peter.

In Isaiah 59:1(CEV) we read: The Lord hasn't lost his powerful strength; he can still hear and answer prayers.

The Expanded Bible (EXB) translation says: Surely the Lord’s power is enough to save you. He can hear you when you ask him for help .

I love the Message (MSG) translation that says: Look! Listen! GOD’s arm is not amputated - he can still save. GOD’s ears are not stopped up - he can still hear. There’s nothing wrong with God;

God is waiting for us to turn to Him so He can reach out and help.

Romans 10:13(AMP) For “WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”

Psalm 50:15(ESV) and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Joel 2:32(MSG) Whoever calls, ‘Help, GOD!’ gets help.

To call on the name of the Lord is to approach Him in thanksgiving, worship, and petition, and in so doing, proclaim the name of God. Calling on the name of the Lord indicates personal interaction and relationship. When we call upon the name of the Lord, as a form of worship, we recognize our dependence upon Him.

Isaiah 64:4(ESV) From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear; no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.

Isaiah 30:18(ESV) Therefore, the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Isaiah 31:1(ESV) Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen, because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the LORD!

I conclude with “If you believe in prayer at all, expect God to hear you. If you do not expect, you will not have. God will not hear you unless you believe He will hear you; but if you believe He will, He will be as good as your faith.” – Charles Spurgeon