Text: Matthew 14:22-32
Memory verse:
“But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

One of the strategies of the enemy is to distract you from your goal, especially at the birth of your testimony. The first step of his attack is an attempt to steal your testimony and this, he can only achieve by causing you to take your focus from your pursuit. When we started this commission at about seventeen years ago, we faced series of attacks, both spiritual and physical. The devil shot different arrows to create fears in our hearts and to discourage us. The devil came in different forms, from within and without. The attacks came like a flood to pull down the wall of our confidence. In fact, out of fear and concern for us, some of our friends began to advise us to reconsider our decision because they thought we would not be able to survive it. However, to some of us and like Paul, we were not terrified, frightened nor intimidated by the explosion. “Don’t be afraid of your enemies; always be courageous, and this will prove to them that they will lose and that you will win, because it is God who gives you the victory” (Phil 1:28 GNB).
In our text today, Peter began to walk on the water in response to the Lord’s command that he should come. Rather than fearing, he switched over to faith to do what was humanly unreasonable to do. The natural law was immediately suspended to give way to the supernatural law. So, rather than sinking, the water became a hard platform and he walked on it. Whenever faith prevails over fear, it produces a great testimony.
However, when he turned his eyes from the Lord to the boisterous wind, he moved from faith back to the fear which he had earlier conquered. So, he began to sink. He lost his testimony. The enemy stole his great testimony. Whenever you focus on your circumstances rather than on the Lord, you begin to sink. Fear gives the devil a foothold in your life. While faith will deliver your testimony to you, fear will kill it. Faith makes you a wonder but fear makes you a wanderer. Faith will preserve your joy but fear will waste it. Faith makes your life enviable but fear makes you a ridicule. Fear is one of the most potent weapons of the adversary. Faith is the conquering power that brings the world to its knees. It wins the victory over the world and the devil (1 John 5:4 MSG)
Friends, don’t tolerate any fear but confront them today with faith. Your testimony shall not be stolen or lost in Jesus name.

Prayer points
1. I take my shield of faith and I quench every fiery arrow of fears shot at me in Jesus name.
2. My testimonies shall not be stolen or lost in adversity and to the adversaries in Jesus name.

Today’s declarations
1. Through faith, my testimonies are preserved.
2. Fear is the devil’s tool to attack and steal my testimonies after delivery so I don’t tolerate fear in my life.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng