Do your doubts make you feel disqualified from walking in faith?
Do you ever feel like you are caught in a storm? Trying to navigate all the waves life throws at you? Storms, whether real or metaphorical, can leave us feeling fearful, uncertain and vulnerable.
But there’s good news; you are never alone in the storm!
When the disciples were trapped in a boat on the water during a storm, they suddenly saw Jesus walking towards them (Matthew 14:24-25). Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (verse 27).
Peter, ever bold and impulsive, responded: “Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come to You on the water” (verse 28).
Jesus invited him.
Peter stepped out of the boat, and for a moment, he did the impossible: he walked on water towards Jesus! Imagine his excitement and fear, the thrill of doing what no one else dared.
But soon, Peter noticed the wind and the waves. Fear crept in, and he began to sink.
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ – Matthew 14:30
This moment captures a powerful truth: miracles often happen in the tension between faith and fear. You may be stepping forward boldly, but fear can make you lose sight of what is possible.
Jesus reached out and caught Peter:
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ He said, ‘why did you doubt?’ – Matthew 14:31
Jesus was calm, steady, and completely in control of the situation. He didn’t scold Peter harshly, but simply invited him to trust.
Faith and doubt coexist. It’s natural to feel fear even while stepping forward in faith. The key is to keep looking to the One who can save.
This text comes from the e-book Miracles in Motion. If you’d like to reflect on this story some more, please download the e-book for free. It has great lessons to draw from this miracle, as well as intriguing questions to reflect on. I highly recommend it!
