Matthew 14:29b-30 (CEB)

29b Then Peter got out of the boat and was walking on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, “Lord, rescue me!”


Reflection

As humans, we can understand Peter’s reaction. We want to believe and to trust in God always, but sometimes we have our doubts. We want to just trust and obey, but sometimes our belief wanes as our doubts cloud our thinking. Then we cry out to God just when we are in need or we are having difficulty. We may even have trouble admitting to our doubt, as though this speaks to some kind of character flaw in us. 

It seems likely to me that Jesus knew about Peter’s fear and doubt and chose to use this to prove a point. Our doubts and fears not only make us human, but they also make us think and act, which is also a part of our God-given capabilities. Later in this chapter, Jesus asks Peter about his doubt.

Jesus is encouraging Peter to be faithful but also to be in conversation with him. I believe that we do not need to beat ourselves up about our doubts and fears, but instead bring them into constant conversation with our Lord! Of course we will continue to cry out to God when we are struggling, just like Peter did – because we are human and God is our Savior. 

However, we can also keep the connection to our God in the everyday, mundane circumstances of our lives. Our faith comes not just through miraculous moments, but through our daily commitment to be in conversation with our living Lord! Even if we feel that our prayers go unanswered through seasons of doubt and questioning, our faith remains through constant conversation.

By Barbara Carlson


For Pondering & Prayer

Instead of denying our doubts and fears, we need to bring them to God in faith! Today, tomorrow and always, our daily prayer is what keeps that constant connection in all that we do. May we, through our constant conversation with our Savior, hear and know faith beyond measure. 

Prayer: Loving God, like Peter, we know doubt and fear. We want so much to trust in you and to believe. We want so much to be able to discern your calling on our lives. Help us to talk to you about our doubts and fears, as well as our needs and celebrations.  Help us to talk to you even in the mundane and daily moments of our lives.  Help us to continue to connect with you in all that we do.  Amen.