In the book of Matthew we find the story of Peter walking on the water, a story we have all heard many times. I have always thought of this story as a lesson: if you keep your eyes on Jesus you will stay afloat.
There is another lesson to be had, however. The account given is that the disciples were in the boat in the midst of a storm at sea. The wind was blowing, the waters were rough, then Jesus came on the scene.
At first, they were afraid but Jesus comforted them. Then what I always perceived to be a moment of great faith took place. Peter said, “Jesus if it is you then have me come out on the water with you.”
Now I always thought this would have taken a lot of faith. If this were me, I would have needed to be fully convinced beforehand that it was Jesus before I got out of a boat and expected to walk on water. Peter, however, did not skip a beat. Jesus gave one word and Peter climbed down and walked on the water.
Now the moment his foot found solid footing Peter must have known that it truly was Jesus. We know this because of what happened when things went wrong. Something caught Peter’s attention. The storm that was raging around became his focus.
Peter had the faith to step out not knowing who was on the water. He then began to sink even being assured it truly was Jesus. I always thought that it took a lot of faith to step out and serve God, but real faith is needed when the going gets tough.
We do not need faith when everything is going our way when we know what comes next or when the troubles of life are forgotten. Faith is for the times in our lives when we do not know how we will make it through the trial.
Hebrews defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The substance or sustaining force, faith sustains us and keeps us through those hard times. When we do not know how we will make it through the trial and we can’t see a way, faith helps us endure.
The real question is, do I have enough faith to make it through what I am going through? Well, there is good news. Romans 12:3 tells us that
“…as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
I love the way that scripture reads. Not that everyone has some faith, but “the measure of faith”. When I cook and dump a little here and a little there, it does not turn out. If I measure the ingredients, however, things come out just right. God doesn’t give us all a little, but He gives us the perfect amount.
The storms of life are raging all around for many of us. God is a comforter and he gives us all His measure of faith to sustain us through the trials. Rest assured that even in the darkest hour, God does his best work in the middle of the storm.
– Gary Cooper
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