Courage for the Timid Soul

In this particular series of devotions we have been trying to walk with Peter on the water. Most people who read this passage focus on Peter’s doubt and the picture of Peter sinking beneath the angry waves, crying out to Jesus, "Save Me!"

Now the failure of Peter to remain on top of the waves is from his fear of the water and taking his eyes off Jesus. However I think we must take ourselves back into the boat, where a fearful Peter, who spoke before he engaged his brain said, "Lord bid me to come to thee on the water." I believe the doubt assailed Peter before his foot touched the water. Even before he climbed out of the boat Peter would have seen the waves and there would have been fear or in another word doubt. Would not most of us seeing the angry sea have spoken yet again and said, "that is okay Lord, I was only teasing, you come into the boat and we can talk."

I know from experience, though I never doubted Christ was with me, each and every time we engaged the enemy there was fear in my heart. The times when I appeared to be brave and a hero, for which medals were awarded, were not acts of bravery or faith. It was simply doing what had to be done, with a constant silent prayer ascending into the heavens, "God be with me, help me Lord, save me Lord Jesus." No, the actions were not of bravery, but a fearful soul facing death. No doubt of the eternal resting place, no doubt that God was indeed right there in the midst of the battle by my side. But a very real fear this would be the end of this earthly life we all cling to so precariously. I think pure pride and foolishness of ego pushed Peter from the boat and onto the water. The fact before us says Peter did walk on the water, even if so briefly.

In my mind there is no doubt that Peter looked at that water and asked himself, "what have I done now?" I think Peter was as surprised as the other disciples when his first tentative testing of the water found a solid rock to stand upon, not shifting sand, and definitely not water which was unable to hold him above its own angry waves. I am reminded of Paul’s words in Romans five where we find experience to be the beginning of the list of steps that awaken in us the spiritual truth of our salvation in Christ, resulting in the birth of hope.

Where does this experience appear in life? Experience comes from trusting God in tribulations, even those tribulations we have brought upon ourselves. I can envision the scene of Peter placing one tentative toe on the water, while yet filled with doubt and fear. The toe holds fast, so he lowers the rest of the foot, it too holds, so he lowers his other foot onto the water, all the while holding firmly to the rail of the boat. He then slowly allows his weight to fully rest on the water. He too is surprised the water holds together beneath his feet. Yet this is enough "experience" and he begins to walk toward the Lord on the water. The doubt and fear are still there. But faith wrought from experience is holding him up. However, he finds the fear to be the controlling factor and takes his eyes off Christ, and begins to sink.

Aw! The Lord however doesn’t waver, He is there the moment this impetuous child cries out. There are those who say that faith is blind and we must take that flying leap into the darkness trusting God to catch us. Not so! Faith is the evidence of things unseen, the substance of things hoped for. While faith works tomorrow so to speak, and we cannot see the end ahead, it isn’t blind, but stands on the very Word of God the Father. Our doubt, our weakness is made strength by God, that His power and glory might be revealed, not only to us, but to all who care to observe what God has done. Once again we find we have been blessed, that we might be a blessing! Faith is the gift of God to His children. Faith is also the working of the Holy Spirit within our heart. We find faith is then both a gift of God, (Eph. 2:8) and a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

When we find ourselves standing alone in the battle of life, with raging seas all around us, fear not, for in the midst of these storms, we hear the voice of our Lord from the Scriptures say "Come to me, fear not, for lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world." The Lord does walk with us in the storms of life, perhaps in a much more tangible way than any of us believe is possible. Christ will not fail us, He will not catch us in mid flight on a wild descent into the netherworld, but hold our hand so to speak, all the way.

Someone once wrote that life’s experiences coming thick and fast are the soul’s appointed means of growth. St. Francis wrote that we do not know the breadth or depth of our faith until we hit the pot holes in the road of life.

Even so Lord Jesus, bid me to come to you on the water. Help thou my unfaithfulness.

Amen

By: Dr. Chuck Baynard