Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Matthew 14:25-32 NIV
I can so identify with Peter, can’t you? Sometimes I surprise and amaze myself with my faith. Jesus calls me to do something and I am so exhilarated and full of faith that I jump right out of the boat and start walking on the water. It’s amazing. Sometimes the experience is so wonderful and fulfilling, I realize I am a co-worker with Jesus and I am on a spiritual high.
But then there are other times that my experience is just like Peter’s here. I jump out of the boat and take the risk. I begin walking and suddenly I notice the wind and the waves. I begin to panic. My fear overtakes me and my big faith is gone. I start to sink.
Like Peter, two things can be true of me. I can walk on water, but I can sink too. Peter’s story shows us that doubt and faith are often intertwined. What makes the difference? Same for me as for as Peter – my focus. As long as he was focused on Jesus, his faith remained strong. When he allowed his fear to determine his focus, he looked at the deep water and began to sink. When he called out to Jesus and took His hand, he was saved. Jesus responds with help and hope to our doubts when we want to walk in faith.
Honest communication is vital. Peter owned his loss of faith and cried out to Jesus. But I can’t believe this is the last time they talked about it. Jesus was of course the best discipler of all time, and Peter was a tremendous questioner. He was generally the initiator in the group, the first one to take the leap, and always asking questions. I am sure there were many private conversations that further developed in intimacy with Jesus. As he was seeking and listening, watching and hearing, Peter grew into one of the greatest men of faith in all of history.
Jesus is not upset with you for doubting. He welcomes your doubts and loves you through the process. He won’t meet you with judgment, condemnation, or change. Reach out to Him and He will lift you up. This can become one of the most transformational periods of your life.
- When I work with Jesus to process my doubts, faith will always win.