Jesus’ Faithfulness is Not Dependent Upon Me

The story of Jesus walking on water is rich with life lessons.  In the past two posts, we have marveled at Peter’s Faith when he jumped out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus and then we related to Peter’s Focus Failure when he began to sink into the very water he walked upon.  Before we move on from this story, I want to share about Jesus’ Faithfulness in Matthew 14:31.

Immediately Jesus

Even though Peter began the quest in strong faith, he quickly began to sink because his focus changed from Jesus to the wind and the waves.  Faith to lack thereof, in one quick instant, probably caused his life to flash before his eyes. 

The powerful first words of verse 31 are full of life and hope for those of us who find ourselves in Peter’s faithless shoes.  Immediately Jesus.  Let those words sink in for a moment. 

When Peter cried out for Jesus to save him in his moment of doubt, Jesus reached out immediately.  Instantly.  Not after a few moments of letting him flail and struggle so that he could learn a lesson.  Peter cried out, and Jesus was there, reaching for him unhesitatingly.  This reminds me of the beautiful promise in 2 Timothy 2:13, If we are faithless, He remains faithful for He cannot deny Himself.

Peter Cries Out, Jesus Calls Him Out

[Jesus] said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ (vs.31).  Jesus saved Peter from drowning, but He gently, without condemnation, addressed his mistake; You of little faith.  How beautiful of Him not to let us get away with our lack of faith but do so in a non-condemning way, as a loving father or mother would with one of their children.

Why Did You Doubt?

Jesus finishes with a question for Peter; Why did you doubt?  Peter had seen Jesus do many miracles, in fact, they were in the middle of one right in that very moment!  They were standing and walking on water in the middle of a major storm!  That is what fear can do when we let it be the focus instead of His faithfulness. 

James 1:6 is a great reminder of what doubting brings; For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.  Doesn’t that fit perfectly with what we are talking about?  Peter doubted and was tossed around and began to sink.

Strengthen My Faith

Jesus’ faithfulness has been proven time after time, after time in my life.  How is it that I still find myself in situations where I have caused my own sinking because of my lack of faith?  You would think that I would have learned to trust Him at all times in all circumstances without hesitation.

God! You are so faithful! It boggles my mind that in spite of my unbelief or my lack of faith, you STILL love me and are right there with me! Thank you! May I not be one to give you reason to say to me, you of little faith.  Where fear tries to creep in and change my focus, strengthen my faith for me.  Save me in my moment of distress with Your outstretched arm, and help my unbelief!  In Jesus’ Name.

Be blessed my precious friend.

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