So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" (vv. 28-30)
HOW STRONG IS YOUR FAITH?
It is a story we heard many times as children in Sunday School. The disciples left Jesus to pray and headed out in a boat. Later that night they saw Jesus approaching them, actually walking across the water! That is certainly something you don’t see every day. When Peter left the boat to meet Jesus, he, too, walked on water. Then Peter became fearful and began to sink. Jesus immediately reached out to Peter and caught him.
It is a story we live over and over again in our lives. We are going along living, and we hit a rough spot: a death in the family, a divorce, a problem with a child or parent. It is then we turn to Jesus and ask for his help.
The Wichita Eagle ran a story on Dec. 24, 2006, about a gentleman by the name of Jeff Wenzel. Jeff has battled a brain tumor since 2003. He has undergone traditional treatments for his cancer. Jeff believed God spoke to him and asked him to have faith. Jeff felt so strongly that he discontinued treatments as God had instructed him to do. That kind of faith is difficult for me to comprehend.
In verse 31 of today’s text, Jesus chastises Peter, saying "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" Certainly, Jeff Wenzel has a faith that few of us could match. So often in my own life, I am unwilling to turn even the smallest things over to God and go to him only when I am desperate. God is willing to take my burdens, but often I am unable or unwilling to let him.
During my spiritual journey, I must continue to have faith and pray for God to strengthen that faith.
Heavenly Father, give me the faith and the strength to listen for your voice and trust you to help with all the issues in my life. Help me to remember that you are here for me not only in times of crisis, but at all times.
Susayn Brandes
