I love the story in the Bible where Jesus calls Peter to walk onto the water with Him. Not only because it’s an amazing display of power, but because it really teaches us a valuable lesson about faith, trust, and the nature of doubt. The story, found in Matthew 14:22-33, unfolds during a turbulent night. Jesus, having just fed the five thousand, sends his disciples away in a boat while he stays behind to pray. A fierce storm arises, and the disciples struggle against the wind and waves. In the midst of the storm, Jesus comes to them, walking on the water.

At first, the disciples are terrified, thinking they are seeing a ghost. But Jesus immediately reassures them, saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” It is at this moment that Peter, ever the impulsive one, speaks up. He boldly asks, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” And Jesus, in a moment of incredible grace, says, “Come.”

This is where the heart of the lesson lies. When Peter focuses on Jesus, when his eyes are fixed on the divine, he walks on water effortlessly. He experiences a miracle, defying the laws of nature. He is empowered by his faith. But then, the narrative takes a turn. As the wind and waves continue to crash around him, as the reality of the raging storm and his dangerous position sinks in, Peter looks at the sea and the crashing waves surrounding him. The fear and doubt creep in. He starts to sink.

It is then that Jesus, ever watchful and merciful, quickly reaches out, grabs Peter’s hand, and pulls him up. Jesus then says, “You of little faith, why did you doubt me?” This gentle correction is not meant to criticize, but to spotlight the source of Peter’s struggle. It is Peter’s doubt, his wavering faith, that caused him to falter.

Sometimes, life can be like this too. We can begin a journey with strong faith, feeling confident and secure in God’s presence. We might be experiencing blessings, seeing the evidence of God’s love and care. We may feel like we are walking on water ourselves. Then, suddenly, challenges arise. We are confronted with problems that seem insurmountable. We may witness suffering in the world that shakes us to our core. We begin to feel overwhelmed by our own difficulties, feeling alone in the darkness, leading us to sink into a sea of despair. Our difficulties sometimes feel unbeatable, like we just can’t escape them.

We find ourselves fixated on our problems, the storm of life, the doubt begins to creep in. The wind and waves become our focus. And then, like a whisper in the darkness, we hear God’s gentle, patient voice, saying, “Why are you doubting me?” We may feel like we are sinking, but Jesus is there, reaching out to us.

At this point, it all comes down to Trust. The challenges we face, the uncertainties that cloud our future, and the pain that sometimes consumes us – they all test the very foundation of our faith. Do we believe in a God who is bigger than our problems? Do we trust in a God who has promised to be with us always? These aren’t just intellectual questions; they’re matters of the heart, deep-seated convictions that transcend the storms of life.

If the God of the universe is big enough to carry the entire world in his two hands, He is big enough to carry you and the struggles that you’re facing. Consider the vastness of creation, the intricate galaxies as they spin above our earthly atmosphere, the boundless power that holds everything together. If He can manage all of that, surely He can manage the struggles in your life, the anxieties that plague your mind, and the burdens that weigh upon your shoulders.

The only thing to do now is to have faith and trust that He’s got you covered. Surrender your worries, your fears, and your doubts to Him. Release the need to control every aspect of your life and embrace the peace that comes from knowing you are held in His loving embrace. Remember His promises: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” He is not a distant deity, but the present and engaged God of your life.

God will see you through this trial; you don’t walk this valley alone. He’s with you, patiently waiting and caring for you every step of the way. He understands your pain, He hears your cries, and He feels your burdens. He is not apathetic to your suffering; rather, He uses these trials to help you grow, to strengthen your faith, and to draw you closer to Him. Lean on Him, seek Him, and allow His peace to flood your soul. With Him, you are never alone.