"Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'” Mt 13: 29-31
How often we begin a project, hesitate or pause for a bit, and never return to it. We can claim we don't have enough time or excuse ourselves by citing more pressing priorities, but not finishing a project can be depressing and painful. Not completing what we have begun begins to stare us in the face emotionally and give us pause about beginning something new.
Peter's faith is tested when Jesus tells him not to be afraid and to come to him across thee water. Initially grateful and willing, after he begins to move towards Jesus, Peter realizes that the winds are stronger than he thought and his fear overwhelms him.
Forgetting that it was Jesus who called him and Jesus who would sustain him, Peter offers all a lesson about faith and trust in God when he relies on his own strength and begins to sink. Only when we accept our total dependence on God for life, for strength and for the gift of eternal life are we able to let go and not be unduly afraid of the "winds" of change, diminishment and death.
Today, ask God for the strength to walk across the troubled waters of your life.
What are greatest faith challenges?
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