FALTERING FAITH

The wind was contrary and the apostles were exhausted after hours of rowing. Just before dawn, they saw a figure on the water. The story unfolds in Matthew 14:25-33 ...  

Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”  

Peter is the most written-about disciple in the Bible. His impetuous outspoken nature makes for a compelling study when we delve into his journey of faith. 

Concerning this 'walk on the water' episode, there are several points to be made ... 

1. He made a bold request. 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water'. He threw Christ a challenge even though human wisdom would deem his solicitation a foolish venture. 

2. Jesus gave the invitation. 'Come'. The door was now open for Peter to put 'feet to his faith'. We too, are called to 'walk by faith and not by sight'. In the eyes of the world, our response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ goes against sound reasoning. 

3. It was a successful venture. 'Peter went out of the ship, and walked on the water'. A life of faith is a complete abandonment of every other source of confidence ... the getting out of a ship called 'self' and onto the Word of God. Jesus is not fully trusted until both hands are off of that boat.

4. There was momentary failure. 'When he saw the wind boisterous he was afraid'. Our troubles don’t all cease the moment we trust Christ. Our faith will be tested. How we respond to a moment of defeat is key. 

5. A desperate prayer came as Peter gasped for air. 'Lord, save me'. Jesus makes us realize that, apart from His help, we can do nothing but tremble and sink. Don't wait until you are up to your neck before you cry out to Him.

6. Christ provided a speedy deliverance. 'Immediately Jesus caught him'. Instant confession brought instant salvation. The same arms that rescued Peter are still outstretched to those in need. 

Will you walk upon the waves toward your Savior or will you keep dipping your toe in the water, yet never stand upon it? Suppose you do falter; the Lord won't let you drown. It is better to 'walk by faith' and periodically stumble ... than to live some complacent self-centered religious experience. 

Get out of the boat, pilgrim.