When Faith Gives Way

Matthew 14:28

New International Version

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

For Encouragement

When does courage turn into fear, and boldness fade into weakness? You heard the command and believed it. The truth drew you in, gave you strength, and brought you comfort. You lived it and shared it, so what changed? Where did your confidence go? If anyone shows this struggle, it’s Peter.

Peter knew the Master’s voice so well that he could recognize it anywhere. So when Jesus spoke to the disciples as He walked on the Sea of Galilee that misty morning, Peter responded with excitement and energy. Still, he wanted a sign to be sure that the figure in the mist was really the Master they missed so much.

Lord, if it’s you … tell me to come to you on the water (Matt. 14:28).

Jesus bid Peter, “Come” (29).

While the other eleven sat frozen, Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.

We are a lot like Peter here. Our faith can be passionate and quick to show, but sometimes it lacks depth. It may look strong on the outside, but it is soft inside. Even so, Peter deserves credit. With his mustard-seed faith in the Almighty God, he became the only person besides Jesus to walk on water. That’s impressive.

Peter wasn’t trying to set a record. He truly loved the Lord and wanted to be with Him. So if it really was Jesus walking on the water, Peter believed His command could make anything possible for him. Wherever Jesus wanted Peter to go, His authority would support him, even over the stormy waters.

When Jesus told Peter to come, it was like the starting signal for a race. His words carried authority and power, giving Peter the faith to step out and walk on the water that morning.

But what is wrong with us humans? Why do we struggle to keep our eyes on Jesus when life gets hard (Heb. 12:2)? The wind blew, the sea roared, and the waves rose. The noise and danger distracted Peter, pulling his focus away from Jesus. He lost the battle between faith and sight, and when faith faded, fear took over. Thankfully, Peter still had enough faith to call out to Jesus: Lord, save me! (30). When trials rise, we must keep our eyes on Jesus before fear pulls us under.

Has Jesus ever failed to save anyone who calls on His name (31; Cf. Rom 10:13)? His hand is always ready to catch and lift those who are sinking. So if your faith has given way and you feel you’re sinking, call on Jesus. If you are struggling with immorality, adultery, fornication, a hard divorce, sickness, bankruptcy, unemployment, or greed, His hand can reach you (Isa. 59:1). As Lockyer has noted:

“If darkness of the night and the fury of the storms are upon us and we are beginning to sink into despair and doubt, may our cry be, ‘Lord, save me’—and He will!”

Let’s Pray Together

Father, thank you that your hand is strong enough to save and your ear always hears my cry for help when I feel overwhelmed by problems. Please save me, and I will always praise you for your grace in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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