“
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?’ Matthew 14:29-31.
We’ve got to give Peter credit: at least he got out of the boat.
For many, their doubts and fears paralyze them and cause them to stay in the boat. Though a life of faith in our Savior is the safest and most secure life of all, it will still be one filled with opportunities to doubt. And those doubts can give rise to fears that will keep us from even wanting to venture out.
It’s not enough to say, Oh yes, I believe in God. I believe he will protect and provide and be true to His promises. We’ve got to step out into what will sometimes be fearful waters. We can talk about faith and trust all we want, but it’s only when the waves are raging and the sea is rough that what we say we believe can be tested and tried and found genuine.
If we really trust, we will not fear or worry in the midst of the storm, be it economic troubles, unfortunate news from the doctor or whatever other kind of adversity or trial may come. Just as Peter was tested, so will we be tested.
Some days the test will be pretty easy; other days it may be excruciatingly difficult. The point is: we grow in faith as our faith is tested. We may at times be like the man who said to Jesus, “I believe, but help my unbelief.” That’s a fair request.
May it be ours, too.
Perhaps our regular prayer needs to be: “Lord, I do trust you to take care of me, but I know I need to trust you more.
Thank you for this test of my faith. Help me keep my eyes on you and not on the waves of these circumstances. Help me grow. Help me learn to trust you more.”
As the year 2024 comes to an end, let me suggest you take some time to think back over the year. As you do so, you may recall times when you, like Peter, could be accused of having “little faith.” Rather than feel bad though, turn those reflections into a prayer of confession and ask God to forgive you for ways you’ve doubted his promise to provide and protect you.
And, as the new year of 2025 comes soon, let this be a time for a resolution to be more trusting in God’s grace, mercy and faithfulness. Turn that resolution into prayer as well: Heavenly Father, help me grow in my faith and trust in you. Help me in the year ahead to not let the circumstances of life cause me to take my eyes off of you.
Help me be at peace knowing you will be with me even when the storms of life may cause me to be afraid. Amen.
Rev. Randy Crane is the pastor at Waldensian Presbyterian Church in Monett. He may be reached at cranes5@hotmail.com.
