Why Did You Doubt? – Matthew 14:29-31

“[Jesus] said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’
Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him, saying to him,
‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’”
Matthew 14:29-31

How easy it is to get focused on circumstances around me. My attention shifts from my God to the strength of the storms, and I feel intimidated and overwhelmed and in danger.

When the reality is, my God is still there. Directly beside me. His power has not lessened. He isn’t remotely intimidated by my circumstances, because He knew they were coming, He has purposes in them, and He is entirely in control.

Why would I remove my gaze from the One who remains steadfast, the Rock I can count on to remain firm?

He is ready to uphold me if I will but ask. There won’t be even slight hesitation.

There must be determination here. A decisive choice made, and resolve to keep making that choice. There is comfort in knowing that if my focus slips, my Savior hasn’t moved, and He will immediately reach out to catch me. But how much better to banish the shadows of doubt before they gain a foothold, by resolutely fixing my eyes on Jesus and continually meditating on all that He is?

Because He is glorious. He is light and strength and hope and healing and provision. He has already disarmed the rulers and authorities that would seek to destroy you (Colossians 2:15). As my pastor said yesterday, we are able to fight FROM victory, not for it. Because Jesus’ victory in all that we face has already been assured.

Walk confidently, believer. You are the beloved of God Most High. He fights for you. He upholds you. He establishes your steps. However great your storm appears, your God is far greater. He’s got this. He’s got you. He will not let you fall. If ever your focus slips, He’ll be there to uphold and strengthen you. Don’t let fear or doubt or question grab a hold of you. Combat it with the character and might of the God whose power dwells within you.

And pray. “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:17-21).