Faith Over Fear
The week has been long, and the days have been filled with the usual mix of work, responsibilities, and personal struggles. You've found yourself standing at the edge of your own "sea," looking out at the turbulent sea and wondering how you'll make it through. The fears and doubts that have been lurking in the shadows begin to creep in, making it hard to take that first step forward.
But then you remember a story – a story of a man who walked on water, and his faith gave him the courage to push past fear. This is the story of Jesus walking on the water, which shows us what happens when faith surpasses fear.
The Stormy Night
The story begins on a stormy night, as recorded in . Jesus had just fed the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish, and now he's sending his disciples ahead of him to the other side of the lake while he dismisses the crowd. After the crowd is gone, Jesus goes up on a mountainside to pray. Meanwhile, the disciples are out on the lake, struggling to make headway against the strong gusts and rough seas.
The Bible says, "But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary" (). The disciples are alone, fighting against the elements, and they're getting tired. It's in this moment of vulnerability that Jesus comes to them, walking on the turbulent surface.
A Figure in the Distance
At first, the disciples think Jesus is a ghost. They're terrified. But then Jesus speaks to them, saying, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (). Peter, being the bold one, asks Jesus to command him to come and meet him where he stands. Jesus says, "Come" (), and Peter steps forward, his feet carrying him across the surface of the lake.
For a moment, Peter defies gravity. He's doing the impossible, and it's all because of his trust in Jesus. But then he starts to look around at the rough seas and the howling gusts, and he begins to lose his footing. Jesus reaches out and catches him, saying, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" ().
The Power of Faith
This story is about what happens when faith overcomes fear. When Peter steps forward, he's not just taking a physical risk; he's also making a statement about his trust in Jesus. He's saying, "I believe you can do the impossible, and I'm willing to take a chance on you."
But when Peter starts to sink, it's because he's taken his eyes off Jesus. He's started to focus on the turbulent conditions surrounding him, rather than the one who's calling him to come. This is a lesson for all of us – that our trust is only as strong as our focus on Jesus.
Stepping Out in Faith
So what does it mean to take a step of faith in our own lives? It means trusting in God's goodness, relying on his care, and being willing to face our fears. It means looking at the rough conditions, but also looking at Jesus, who's standing firmly, calling us to come to him.
It's not always easy, and it's not always comfortable. But when we take a step of faith, we open ourselves up to the possibility of experiencing God's presence in our lives. We start to see that the impossible is possible, and that our fears and doubts are no match for God's ability to guide us.
A New Perspective
The story of Jesus and Peter gives us a new way of thinking. When we look at our circumstances through the lens of fear and doubt, we'll always see obstacles and challenges. But when we look at them with trust in God, we'll see opportunities and possibilities.
The Bible says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (). This means that we rely on God's guidance, even when we can't see what's ahead. We trust that he's working everything out for our good, and that he's calling us to draw near to him, no matter what our circumstances may be.
A Prayer for Faith
Dear Jesus, I want to trust you completely. I want to rely on your goodness, and to see the impossible become possible. Help me to keep my eyes on you, even when the turbulent conditions of life are raging around me. Give me the courage to take risks, to face my fears, and to trust in your care. I know that you're always with me, calling me to draw near to you. Help me to hear your voice, and to respond with trust. Amen.
