Imperfect Faith

‘“Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me?’” Matthew 14:29-31 NLT

There are many who have heard the story of Jesus walking on the water. Some even comment to their own frailty when praise by others by saying, ‘I don’t walk on water.’ But how many of us forget that a mere human did walk on water. He was Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples. This, of course, did not come about by Peter’s fishing skills, but by the supernatural power of Jesus as Peter put his faith in Him.

The occasion was a stormy night in which the disciples were sent ahead by Jesus to the other side of the lake as He took time to pray by Himself up in the hill country. Scripture says the disciples were in trouble fighting the waves from the fierce winds. At about three o’clock in the morning, Jesus came walking to them on the sea. Calming their fears from the wind and waves, and the fact that they thought he was a ghost, Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid, Take courage. I am here!” Peter then displayed a tremendous amount of faith in asking Jesus if he could join him by walking to Him on the water. Jesus granted his request and if you know the rest of the story, Peter walked on the water, but he did not get very far.

Have you ever stepped out in faith by asking the Lord to open a door for you and he opens it, you go through it, but you do not get very far? Peter asked in faith to walk on water despite the effects of the wind and waves due to his great faith in Jesus. But once out on the water, Peter panicked after seeing his surroundings forgetting that Jesus was right in front of him, and he began to sink. Of course, Jesus did not let him sink, but did rebuke him by saying, ‘You have so little faith, Why did you doubt me?’ Peter’s doubt resulted from having an imperfect faith.

Our Lord wants to do remarkable things through us. If He has put a desire in your heart, push that desire through by taking a risk in faith. Once out on the water with all its effects continue moving forward with Jesus as your guide and you will accomplish what He has planned for you.

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD, your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT