Faith

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

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

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.”

Our eyes, our hearts and our minds are easily distracted. Peter did something here that no one else had ever done. Of all the disciples, Peter had enough faith to step out of the boat and walk on the water with Jesus. And as long as Peter stayed focused on the Lord, everything was fine.

Then, Peter began to look around. He took his eyes off of the Savior and began to look at the situation. The waves were crashing, the wind was boisterous, and it was dark. Peter began to sink.

We must be careful where we allow our eyes, hearts, and minds to focus. 

• Looking inwardly could cause us to sink because we do not possess the knowledge and wisdom needed for every circumstance. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
• Looking around could cause us to sink. The circumstances of this world are troubling. Life is hard. Looking too long will leave us discouraged, depressed, and feeling defeated.
• Looking ahead could cause us to sink. I am not speaking of planning for the future, but the fear of the unknown tomorrow. Worrying about what might be has never produced anything but sleepless nights and ulcers! Philippians 4:6 – “Be careful for nothing.”
• Looking at others will cause us to sink. Comparison is the thief of joy. When we look at others we tend to focus on what we don’t have, where we can’t go, and what we can’t do. Corinthians 10:12 – “Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”

Where should we look? Where should our focus be to obtain knowledge and wisdom, to find peace and be content? Hebrews 12:2 – “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.”

And if we do lose focus and, like Peter, begin to sink, we need only call to Him for help and He will lift us up, keep us safe and calm the storm.