Words of Faith: Joi's story about the mission field and Peter from The Bible

I’m Peter
A Words of Faith story written by Joi Copeland

When I first became a believer in 1990, my faith pretty much exploded. I knew that God could do anything, even the impossible. I’ve seen God work so many miracles in my many years of following Him, I still believe He can do the impossible.

Yet, as my family and I prepare for the mission field by raising support and meeting with people, I have found my faith wavering. We are supposed to leave by the end of August, and we don’t have all of our support raised. This has been tough. I began to doubt. I began to listen to what others have been saying. Things like, “You aren’t going to make it by August.” Or “What happens if you don’t make it? Do people who support your get their money back?” or “What if you never make it to the mission field?”

To say the least, this is discouraging. VERY discouraging.

And so I became Peter. Peter, the man who had faith to walk on water. You know the story, right? Peter and the disciples are in a boat because Jesus sent them ahead of Him. During a storm, they see Jesus walking on water toward them and think He’s a ghost. Jesus says it is Him, and Peter responds with, “If it’s you, let me come out and meet you.” Jesus says ok, and out jumps Peter, walking on water! I’ve got the faith to walk on water. But like Peter, I took my eyes off of Jesus and began to sink. I sank for a few weeks. It was tough.

Then one day, all of it began to change. No, not because God provided all the money we need. But because I’ve started focusing again on Him. I believe we can still make it on the mission field by the end of August of 2016. I’ve seen God do miraculous things! But no matter what, my eyes will remain on Jesus, His calling, and His timing. My eyes are back on the One who controls the sea, the wind, and the challenges.

~*~
Author bio:

Joi Copeland is married to a wonderful man, Chris, and has three amazing boys: Garrison, Gage, and Gavin. 

She lives in Denver, Colorado, but within the year, hopes to be living in Galway, Ireland. 

Joi’s love of writing began at a young age. She wrote short stories for several years. She began writing her first novel, Hope for Tomorrow, in 2009.