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Faith in the Storms
by Pastor Bill Pevlor

An exciting characteristic of God’s Word, the Holy bible, is that each time you read it the Holy Spirit can reveal another facet of God’s truth to you. I’ve found that reading a novel the second time can be enjoyable, if it’s a good one. But the third time never seems worth the effort. In contrast, I have read the Bible many, many times over, yet it gets more stimulating each time.

As I re-read scriptures I am quite familiar with, a new truth will jump off the page. Often, scriptures I’ve looked at from one angle sparkle with new luster when viewed from another perspective. A good example is an amazing event recorded in the 14th chapter of Matthew’s gospel.

The disciples of Jesus were in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee, struggling against the wind and waves. Then they see Jesus (whom they had left back on shore hours ago) walking on the lake. Never having seen or heard of anyone ever walking on water, the disciples are terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

Jesus told them not to be afraid. Peter responded by saying “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus told him to come. And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water. (Wouldn’t that be fun?)

Apparently the fun faded quickly when Peter took note of the wind and the waves. Peter became afraid and began to sink. He cried out to Jesus who immediately reached out His hand and lifted the sinking disciple from the water. Then Jesus asked him “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

I’ve always looked at that story as a lesson in keeping our eyes on Jesus. As long as Peter focused on Jesus, his faith kept him afloat. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the turmoil around him, doubt overcame him and he began to sink.

Preachers over the ages have used this story to point out Peter’s failure, however, let’s look at this same story from a different perspective.

Yes, Peter began to sink, but let’s not be so hasty in our assessment. One significant fact is often overlooked; Peter DID walk on water. Peter was a participant in one of the greatest miracles in the Bible. We marvel at the thought of Jesus walking on the water. Shouldn’t we also marvel that Peter also did? Even if Peter’s walk only lasted a few seconds, how can we trivialize such a remarkable accomplishment? The next time you get the opportunity, give water-walking a try. I guarantee the attempt will boost your appreciation for Peter’s success, no matter how brief.

Also, let’s not forget that there were eleven other men in the boat, but only Peter had the faith to attempt such a thing. If we deride Peter for his lack of faith, how are we going to deal with Matthew, Mark, Andrew, John and the others disciples? A little honest introspection would help in our evaluation. We need to ask ourselves, if we were there that day, would we be walking on the water or huddled with the other eleven in the boat? Let’s face it; when the storms of life hit, anybody can cling to the boat. On the other hand; it takes a man with a different spirit to rise above the circumstances and walk on the water.

Each life has its share of strong wind and waves. We know them as hardship, adversity and affliction. You have to decide whether you will respond in fear or respond in faith. In fear, our natural inclination is to cling to the boat, which in reality, offers little security when caught in a tempest. Or you can get out of the boat and walk with Jesus. Walking by faith with Jesus through the storms of life and above the circumstances is risk-free. Staying in the boat, you remain at the mercy of the wind and waves.

When the “storms” converge on your life, take a step of faith like Peter. Leave the false security offered by the boat and walk with Jesus. The good news is, even if we come up short, like Peter did, Jesus will never let us down.

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Victorious Faith Ministries
219 State Street, Algoma, WI 54201
Phone: 920-487-5775