Peter is probably my favorite Bible character. He was impetuous and outspoken, but Jesus saw his potential. May we see ourselves as He sees us.
We often talk about “Doubting Thomas,” who wanted proof that Jesus had risen from the dead. But what about “Doubting Peter?” Matthew 14:23-32 tells the story about Jesus walking on the water. He had just performed the great miracle of feeding the 5000 with the young boy’s lunch, composed of five loaves and two fishes. After a day of preaching, He sent the multitude away, urged His disciples to get into a ship and go before Him to the other side, while He went up into a mountain to pray. He needed His “alone time” with God. Do you take advantage of “alone time” with God?
Meanwhile, the disciple’s ship was caught in the middle of the sea in the midst of a storm. The wind was “contrary,” causing the ship to be tossed with waves. The Jews divided the night into four “watches.” Verse 25 says that in the fourth watch of the night (which would have been just before dawn when it was the darkest), the disciples saw Him walking on the sea. They cried out in fear, thinking they were seeing a Ghost, until Jesus called out saying, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” Peter spoke up and said, “Lord, if it be Thou; bid me to come unto Thee on the water.” Jesus answered, “Come.” And so Peter climbed out of the boat, walking on the water, with his eyes on Jesus. Then, he looked around and saw the boisterous wind, became afraid, and started to sink, crying our, “Lord, save me.” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, saying, “O ye of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he wanted to experience that, too. Did you notice – as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus – he walked on water! But, when he took His eyes off Jesus, he started to sink. He was distracted by the darkness, the wind, and the realization he was out of the boat in the middle of the sea! Have you been distracted from keeping your eyes on Jesus by the elements of this world? It could be financial issues. It could be family issues or job-related concerns. Are you too busy making a living that you’ve forgotten to make a life? Are you teaching your children that worship comes first, or does it come first, unless they have a ballgame? Are the cares of “this” world causing you to lose faith and begin to sink? If so, Jesus’ hand is still outstretched to you. With obedience to His word, you can be saved. God Bless, Courtney