Shadow of Doubt

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” ~Matthew 14:28-31

Simon Peter - Disciple of Jesus

We had no idea the wind would kick up the way it did. Jesus told us to get in our boat and cross to the other side of the lake. I assumed he’d meet us there. But after we got started, oh that wind! The waves were crashing over the side of the boat - we couldn’t steer - we could hardly see. The boat thrashed and turned so many times I was no longer sure which shore was which. And then I saw something out among the waves. It looked like a man. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who saw it, because I heard one of the others shout, “It’s a ghost!” I was terrified; we all were!

Then, through the noise of the rushing wind, I heard a soothing and familiar voice: “Don’t be afraid, “ he said, “I’m here...I am here.” It was Jesus! I’d know that voice anywhere. But it didn’t make sense. Something didn’t seem right. I just needed some proof. I shouted back, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” he replied. I’ll be honest, I was immediately sorry that I asked. But now I didn’t really have a choice; I at least had to try. So I stepped out of the boat onto the water and I took a few steps. My eyes were locked with his. Unbelievable! We were both walking on the water straight toward each other! And then I remembered what was going on around me - the wind - the waves. Suddenly, I was gripped by the most horrifying feeling: pure fear rushed through me like a bolt of lightning and I started to sink. I cried out from the waves, “Save me, Lord!” And he stretched out his arm pulled me up. “You have so little faith. Why did you doubt me?” he asked. That question will haunt me the rest of my life. The truth is, he has never let me down. Not once. Not even in the midst of that storm.

Contemplate

Who or what do you turn to in times of uncertainty, doubt and trouble? Make a list of what you turn to. When you are done, read through the list and draw a line through all the things that have failed you.

Has there ever been a time that you believed God failed you? If so, why? How did you react?

Have there been any storms in your life that have helped you draw closer to Jesus and expand your confidence of his sovereign care for your life?

What were the circumstances? Why did it help your faith grow? Try to recall a time when God’s peace flooded you in spite of the circumstances that were swirling around you?