Key Scripture
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
– Matthew 14:30-31
Reflection
In Matthew 14, the disciples are battered by a storm when Jesus appears, walking on the water. Peter, full of bold faith, steps out of the boat at Jesus command. As long as his eyes are fixed on Jesus, he does the impossible – he walks on the water. But as soon as he notices the wind and waves, fear takes hold, faith gives way to doubt, and he begins to sink.
How often does this mirror our own walk with God? We start out trusting Him, but when we become distracted by the storms around us – trials, worries, or fears, we lose sight of Jesus. In those moments, it’s not the storm that overcomes us, but our loss of focus and faith. Like Peter, we begin to drown, not because Jesus has left us, but because we’ve shifted our gaze from Him to our circumstances.
Yet Jesus is always near. The moment Peter cries out, “Lord, save me,” Jesus immediately reaches out His hand. Our Savior responds not with condemnation, but compassion and rescue. He gently asks, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” – reminding us that faith, not fear, is the key to standing firm even when the waters rise.
Application
Faith must be focused: Keeping your eyes on Jesus keeps you afloat, no matter how fierce the storm.
Doubt is dangerous: When we let fear and circumstances take our focus, we begin to sink.
Jesus rescues: No matter how deep the water, a cry to Jesus brings immediate help.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You, not on the winds and waves around me. Forgive me for the times I’ve doubted or let fear distract my faith. Thank You for always reaching out to rescue me when I call. Strengthen my faith so I may walk with You above the storms, trusting You in every circumstance.
In Your holy name,
Amen
