by Prince Josiah Jeyaraj
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?” - Matthew 14:30,31
In Matthew 14, we see, Jesus went, walking on top the fierce waves (verse 25) towards the boat. The disciples were terrified (verse 26). Jesus identified Himself (verse 27); and Peter, in his usual hyper active nature, asked Jesus to help him to also walk on the water. Jesus simply said, “Come” (verses 28-29). We can imagine that Peter could have been nervous, but he bravely stepped out of the boat and proceeded to walk toward Christ, probably thinking he is a fisherman and he can swim even if he drowns. But apparently the strong wind and the rough sea frightened him, because he started to sink (verse 30). Jesus had to save him from drowning.
“And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (Matthew 14:31)
On many occasions, with Faith we start well, but just as we began and when we begin to see all is going well, we look around or when we begin see the unfavorable circumstances we begin to doubt.
Doubt questioned Peter’s faith to the point that he couldn’t walk on water anymore. Doubt can also question our faith. Faith is connected to the promises that God gives us. Once we start to doubt those promises, then our faith starts to fail. Notice that Jesus said “Why did you doubt?” That’s a problem with most of us. We may think we have faith, but when the most difficult time comes, we actually can be crippled by doubts and questions. Doubt kills faith.
Doubt questioned Peter’s faith to the point that he couldn’t walk on water anymore. Doubt can also question our faith. Faith is connected to the promises that God gives us. Once we start to doubt those promises, then our faith starts to fail. Notice that Jesus said “Why did you doubt?” That’s a problem with most of us. We may think we have faith, but when the most difficult time comes, we actually can be crippled by doubts and questions. Doubt kills faith.
Whenever doubt creeps into our minds, we should go to God for help to strengthen our faith. Notice that Peter cried, “LORD, save me”, probably the shortest prayer anyone has prayed, and immediately Jesus reached out to him. The important thing is to talk to Him often, especially when we are surrounded by storms that bring in doubt and fear. Faith requires continuous dependence on God and it isn’t a onetime step.
No comments:
Post a Comment