You know what happened:
Jesus walked on water, approaching the disciples on their boat in the middle of the storm. Peter, ever the audacious one, asked the Lord to grant him the ability to walk on the water too. Jesus did not hesitate, but told Peter to come meet Him. Instantly, Peter leapt out of the boat and walked directly to Jesus, his feet touching the surface of the water as firmly as wet concrete.
You know what happened next:
Peter took his eyes off the Lord and began to sink, a remarkable idea in and of itself. Peter didn’t “sink;” he “began” to sink. God allowed him the opportunity to descend, slowly, into the watery abyss. Fortunately for the disciple, he realized what was happening and knew what to do: He reached out to the Lord, who helped him up. Together they walked back to the ship, a remarkable idea in and of itself. Peter walked on the water back to the boat. Peter was given a second chance.
Have you considered what the Lord said to Peter?
After rescuing him, Jesus said: “O ye of little faith; why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). Isn’t that a curious question? After all, Peter got out of the boat. I didn’t see John or Andrew following Peter. I didn’t see James or Philip walking on water. Peter was the only one who got out of the boat. They were all fearful of the storm. They were all afraid. Peter was the only one with faith enough to brave the storm and walk to His Lord. So why is Peter said to be of “little” faith? Doesn’t he have more faith than John?
Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe who cares? I don’t think Jesus does.
Faith isn’t a competition. Peter was of little faith, not in comparison to John or any other disciple. The Lord wasn’t comparing Peter to any other disciple. Jesus was comparing Peter… to Peter! Jesus was comparing to Peter to the kind of disciple He knew Peter could be, the kind that could brave the storm, do amazing things, and not flinch in the face of a terrible storm. It would take Peter a while to become that person, but he would indeed become that version of Himself, the kind of man the Lord always knew He could be.
Maybe you’re in a storm. Maybe you’re scared. Alright. The Lord is coming to give you peace. Maybe you’re in a storm and you see the Lord coming but you’re too scared to move. Alright. The Lord is coming to get in the boat with you. Maybe you’re in a storm and the Lord is coming and you’re ready to leap out and run to him. Alright. Do it. He’ll receive you safe and sound. Maybe you can’t help but be distracted by just how bad the storm seems to be. If so, turn your eyes back to the Lord and He’ll help you again. Don’t worry how anyone else is handling the storm, better or worse than you. How are YOU doing? How is YOUR faith? Focus on growing your relationship with God, not comparing yourself to anyone else.
~Matthew