²⁹“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Doubt filled Peter’s heart and fear overcame his Faith. He began to make progress but fell and began to sink. Maybe he began to think about what a remarkable thing he is doing. His focus went from Jesus to the circumstances that surrounded him. He realized he could drown and was diverted from Jesus to his drowning. I imagine after the water capped over his head sputtering, he called out. “Help save me, Lord. Save me.”

Jesus wasted no time. Immediately He reached out His hand and caught him. Peter was safe. Yes, Peter fell. Yes, he failed in his faith walk. His faith started strong, but not strong enough to continue to walk on water.

This is the same situation for so many of us. We began that step of faith. Our faith weakened and we lost our focus. Maybe we became discouraged, overcome with temptation. Maybe we didn’t see God act quickly enough to suit us. Maybe we focused on the waves and wind and we cried out, “Lord, save me from this mess. How did I get here anyway? Are you there, Lord?”

Yes, He was there. His hand touches Peter. He pulled him out. He was put back in the boat safe, but then the word of correction comes, “O man of little faith. Why did you doubt?” The question, I believe, was rhetorical. Jesus knew the answer. He knows all about our doubts. We too often respond to problems by imagining the worst. We are aware of our shortcomings and therefore fail to step out in obedience. Sure, we can trust Jesus when weather is nice and sunny. We can believe on the shore when we were passing out bread and fish, but not in the middle of the storm and walking on water - for that is staking our whole life on that miracle and that is exactly the point of Jesus correction.  He wants our whole life to be set out on Him.

The challenge is to overcome doubt. Doubt is the trick of the devil causing us to question the wisdom of God. We are taught to question, ask, seek and doubt, for the Lord does not want ignorant people. That doesn’t mean He can’t use the doubters, but how much more can He use someone who is equally committed and learned as well?

Peter heard the word of the Lord, and he wanted and desired to participate in walking to Jesus. His obstacle wasn’t only doubt; it was also the reality of the waves pounding around him and knowing - water does not hold a person. It is risky to obey. It is risky when there are storms, winds, rain and danger, but if you keep facing the right direction, you can keep walking. You might get wet, but you can keep walking slowly but surely. The impossible becomes possible in His will and by His ways.
Peter had some faith. That is why he was the only one who got out of the boat. To my knowledge no other disciple ever experienced what that was like, only Peter. Peter used his small faith and walked even a little bit further, but Christ told him more. 

Application: What happens when we fall? Do we get up again? Are you open to admitting your mistakes? Jesus wanted Peter to admit his problem was little faith. There is not a saint who does not fall or fail. A mature saint gets up again. Peter needed to learn some lessons.  Keep your eye focused on the goal and concentrate on taking one step at a time. The disciples believed in Him more when they understood that Jesus was the Son of God. They heard His words from the water: a word of comfort for their fears, challenge for their faith and correction for falling. What is He saying to you today?

Prayer: Jesus, You are always with us. You never leave us. You never forsake us. We may fall and falter, but Your hand is there to give correction. “Look to me”, You say. “Keep looking to me.” You are here to calm all the winds and waves or to see you through them. Step out and follow Him.

Dale