“Come!” answered Jesus. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. “Save me, Lord!” he cried. Matthew 14:29-30, GNT

 

This well-known story of Jesus walking on the water toward the disciples in the fishing boat is a beautiful illustration of enthusiastic trust that fades quickly when circumstances look difficult.

 

Isn’t that often what happens to us too?

 

Peter says in Matthew 14:28, “Lord, if it is really you, order me to come out on the water to you.” And when Jesus says, “Come!” Peter steps out of the boat without hesitation and confidently begins walking on the water.

 

Often, we also start out with the firm intention to trust our heavenly Father completely with our lives and circumstances. Our eyes are on him, and for a moment or a while, we manage it well.

 

The trouble came when Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looks at the wind. That is when his faith failed him. He became afraid and began to sink.

 

We are no different from Peter. We grow up hearing that we must trust God with everything in our lives, and often we manage to do so, especially when our circumstances are favourable. But when the winds of life begin to blow around us, and we see how strong the storm is, we also begin to sink. Our circumstances feel overwhelming, and suddenly our trust is gone.

 

Fortunately, Peter recognised his dependence on God and cried out, “Save me, Lord!” (Matthew 14:30). And Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught Peter.

 

Even though our trust in our Father is fragile, his faithfulness is unfailing. That is our salvation.

 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that we can always trust in you. Thank you that you remain faithful, even when our trust fails. Amen