Matthew 14:28-33

“Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’” vs. 31

Whatever else might be said of Peter, Matthew wants us to know that he didn’t shy away from a challenge. When Jesus told him to get out of the boat and walk on the water, he actually did it. And what we often forget is that he was successful! He was able to imitate Jesus, and did the impossible. He walked on the water. But when he noticed the wind and took his eyes off Jesus, he immediately began to sink. 

It’s a wonderful story! As followers of Jesus we are capable of amazing things in the course of life. Impossible dreams become a reality, and we surprise even ourselves in what we can accomplish. Some days we can even walk on water! We begin to think that we’ve got this thing called life under control and that there’s nothing beyond our grasp. All obstacles melt away as one success follows another. 

And then everything comes crashing down! We notice the strong wind of opposition and our eyes are diverted from the compass that has been our guide. And as our attention drifts away from Jesus, we begin to sink beneath the cares of this broken world. Doubts overwhelm us and the hand of the Lord becomes our only salvation. And he does not let us down!

Thought for the Day: What’s it like to have a sinking feeling?