Matthew 14:28-31 ESV And Peter answered Him (Jesus), “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He 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 (Peter), saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
In previous posts we have already seen that when Peter focused on Jesus, he had the faith to utilize divine supernatural power to accomplish what God had called him to do (walk on water). Then, when Peter turned his attention to his circumstances, his faith wavered and he was limited to his own ability so he began to sink. Most teachers make this passage about Peter and his failure, but let’s instead look to Jesus.
Jesus was walking on water and Peter asked to join Him. There was no reason for Jesus to grant this request other than He was pleased with Peter’s faith and with his desire to be with Jesus. So Jesus called Peter to come out to Him and gave Peter the ability to accomplish an impossible task.
God is pleased when we want to be where He is and desire to participate in the work He is doing. He doesn’t need our help but allows us to join him in order to build our relationship with Him. There are times when God calls us, or simply allows us, to take part in his work. Often those ministries require supernatural empowerment. God regularly calls people to do things that are impossible for them so that when they do it, He gets the glory.
For a period of time Peter walked on water, but then he began to doubt and quickly began to sink. When Peter realized he was in trouble, he called out to Jesus to save him. Jesus looked at Peter with contempt and said, “You should have trusted, your lack of faith will cause you to drown.” NO! That is not what happened! Jesus reached out and grabbed Peter and kept him from sinking!
We fail God. It is a sad but true fact. We are often weak and easily tempted and misdirected. When this happens we begin to sink. But when we realize what is happening and cry out to God He reaches down and picks us up.
This does not give us a license to sin. We should safeguard our heart and regularly examine ourselves to remain as pure and faithful as possible. However, failure will inevitably come. When it happens, call out to God and let Him pick you back up. Be gracious when others fail. You may be the hand God uses to set them back on their feet.
Sin does have consequences. When Peter began to sink Jesus did not let him drown but I’m sure Peter’s clothes got soaked. God will grant us repentance unto life when we fall, but sometimes there unpleasant after-effects.
Heavenly Father, You are merciful and gracious! Thank You for treating us with love and kindness and not with the wrath we deserve. When we fail, grant us repentance. Give us merciful hearts when we see others who are failing.