Matthew 14:32-33 ESV And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
The disciples had seen Jesus do countless miracles. They had heard amazing truths in numerous lessons. What about this event caused them to declare that Jesus was the Son of God? Was it that Jesus walked on water? Was it that Jesus caused Peter to be able to walk on water? Was it that Jesus rescued Peter when he began to sink? I believe the answer is, “Yes, to all of them combined.”
I believe that the two aspects that really awed them was Jesus enabling Peter to walk on water and then saving him when he doubted. Jesus walking on water was a new type of miracle, but they had seen plenty of those. Peter doing something supernatural was different. They knew Peter. They knew he was just an ordinary man who really wasn’t all that special of himself. But when Jesus called, and empowered him, Peter could do the miraculous. That is the kind of miracle that gives normal, average men hope.
What probably gave them even more hope was Jesus saving Peter. Peter was bold enough to have faith to get out of the boat but his faith didn’t hold up to the circumstances around him. That was something the disciples could understand. They too had their doubts but they saw how Jesus responded when Peter’s faith wavered. How encouraging that must have been for them! If Jesus would lift Peter up when he failed, wouldn’t He also lift them up when they lost faith as well?
We are plain, ordinary people. We each have our strengths but we also have our many weaknesses. God is not bound by our weaknesses because He has the power to overcome them. If we have the faith to get out of our safe spot when God calls, He will give us everything we need to accomplish his will, even if it is supernatural ability. When others see God working in us and through us, they will see the power of God and glorify Him.
Even our failures can magnify God. When we stumble, and God raises us back up, we have a testimony of His goodness that can encourage others. We should strive to remain faithful, but when our weakness inevitably comes through eventually, be assured, God can use that for good when we repent and turn to Him.
Almighty God, give me the courage and faith to follow wherever You lead. I pray others will see You though me and what You are doing in me. Please forgive my failures and use them to let others see Your mercy and grace.