I wish my faith were perfect all the time. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. When God asks us to step out in faith, sooner or later a challenge will come to that faith. In fact it is the challenges that grow our faith. So we are challenged by the initial stepping out and then the walking it out.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Mt.14:25-31)
The primary message that I have always read or heard in this story is a message of faith vs. fear or distraction. It is that, but today I also see it as a message of grace.
Some time ago I stepped out to something God had asked me to do. Then the winds began howling and made it difficult to hear. The waves began rising and the water splashed in my face and made it difficult to see. I saw my many weaknesses and I began to sink. All I could see was failure all around. I was concerned with so many things, including how God must view my struggles.
Like Peter, I have felt alone, outside the safety of the boat, and all there has been to do is call on the name of Jesus. And just like Peter, Jesus is there to catch me with hand outstretched. And also like Peter, I have been made aware of my little faith and doubt.
Jesus didn’t leave Peter to drown, because his faith was small. He reached out and helped him up. He isn’t leaving you or I to drown either. He knew how big Peter’s faith was when he called him out of the boat, just like he knows of our struggles before we step out on the waters.
His hand extended is grace for the journey. It is all opportunity to come a little closer to the one who formed us. He is aware of all our weaknesses and frailties. His love is greater than our greatest weakness.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. (Ps.103:13-14)
(The photo above is from unsplash.com.)
Melicia Evans 