The wind howled, the waves crashed against the boat, and fear gripped the disciples. Then, a figure appeared, walking on the turbulent sea. It was Jesus.
This familiar story isn't just a miraculous event; it's a powerful lesson about faith. Peter, in a moment of both awe and daring, asked Jesus to call him out onto the water. And Jesus simply said, "Come."
Think about that for a moment. "Come." A simple invitation, yet it required immense faith for Peter to act upon it. He stepped out of the boat, leaving the safety and familiarity behind, and onto the churning water. For a few glorious moments, he walked. He defied the natural order, buoyed by his belief in Jesus.
But then, the wind caught his attention. The waves seemed higher, the storm more fierce. Doubt crept in, and with it, fear. Peter's focus shifted from Jesus to the chaos around him, and he began to sink.
How often do we do the same? We start out strong in our faith, trusting in God's promises. But then, the "winds" of life – challenges, setbacks, disappointments – buffet us. We take our eyes off Jesus and focus on the storm, and our faith falters.
Peter cried out, "Lord, save me!" And immediately, Jesus reached out and pulled him up. "You of little faith," Jesus said, "why did you doubt?"
Jesus's response isn't a condemnation, but a gentle reminder. He acknowledges Peter's faith, however small it may have become in that moment. He reminds him that the power to walk on water wasn't in Peter himself, but in the one he trusted.
This story isn't about never doubting. It's about what we do when doubt arises. Do we succumb to fear and sink? Or do we, like Peter, cry out to Jesus, knowing that His hand is always outstretched, ready to lift us up?
The truth is, we will all face storms in our lives. We will all experience moments of doubt. But the key is to remember that Jesus is always there, even when we can't see Him through the waves. He is our anchor in the storm, our refuge in times of trouble.
So, the next time the winds of doubt threaten to drown you, remember Peter. Remember Jesus's simple invitation: "Come." And remember His unwavering love and support, always ready to lift you up. Keep your eyes on Him, and trust that He will carry you through the storm.