The snare of doubt

Matthew 14:31 NKJV — And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

This story of Peter walking on the water to Jesus is rich with applicable lessons.

The disciples are crossing the sea, because Jesus had sent them.

Things get difficult.

Matthew 14:24 NKJV — But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

As they are struggling, Jesus is walking towards them.

Matthew 14:25 NKJV — Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.

Their reaction is understandable.

Matthew 14:26 NKJV — And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

Walking on water isn’t a thing anyone does.

Jesus understands, he’s not laughing at them, nor does he downplay their fear, but compassionately calls to them.

Matthew 14:27 NKJV — But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter’s response is surprising, but his faith is incredible.

Matthew 14:28 NKJV — And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

Jesus is always desiring for us to come to him.

Matthew 14:29 NKJV — So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

Peter’s faith is seen in his actions.

But when he takes his eyes off Jesus doubt snares him.

Matthew 14:30 NKJV — But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

Although, doubt began to sink him, Peter’s focus returns to Jesus.

Matthew 14:31 NKJV — And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Jesus catches him, saves him, and admonished him.

Doubt is flung at the believer in a million different ways, but we must keep our eyes focused on Christ.

Matthew 14:32 NKJV — And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

Because Jesus is capable of calming any storm.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for this story. Lord, I want to have faith like Peter, to willingly step out of those things I see as “safe” or “comfort” to draw nearer to You. Lord, I see the dangers of doubt. Please guard my heart and mind. Help me to recognize the snares of doubt and to avoid them. Lord, please continue to teach me wisdom. I know there’s a difference from following You and going my own way. Lord, I know I’ve stepped out of Your will while believing I was doing it “for You”, when in reality I was doing what I thought was best. Lord, I don’t want to do that anymore. I want to be 100% Your servant, surrendered to Your will each day. Thank You for Your patience. Thank You for Your faithfulness and salvation. Thank You for Your peace. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Follow the Leader

And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”  They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
Mark 1:16‭-‬18 NKJV

This wasn’t a game or a joke, Jesus was calling Peter and Andrew to follow Him.

Can anyone imagine what this moment was like for them?

They immediately take action and follow.

Peter goes from a fisherman to…a preacher, an elder in the church, a man God used mightily.

The Gospels are clear, Peter made his mistakes, but those things do not impead his following.

Even after he denied he knew Jesus, Jesus restored him. (John 21:15-17)

The truth of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection were testified to by this Fisher of Men.

2 Peter 1:16 NKJV — For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

Peter’s life was forever changed by the Lord Jesus.

His choice to follow Christ is one each of us has the opportunity to make.

In this we can be encouraged to follow Christ as well.

To live a life of devotion to Jesus.

The Bible clearly explains what following Jesus is.

Here are a few verses:

Luke 9:23 NKJV — Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

John 10:27 NKJV — “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

John 12:26 NKJV — “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

It is through love that Jesus came, died, and rose again.

It is through love that He called his disciples and they in turn discipled others.

It is through love that anyone can be a follower of Jesus Christ.

John 14:21 NKJV — “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

When Jesus calls you to follow Him, what will your answer be?

Will you follow the Leader?

I truly hope so.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word and Your truth. Lord, thank You for giving us hope that we too can follow You. Lord, You do not see as man sees. We get caught up with looks or outward things, but You see the heart. Lord Jesus, purify my heart before You. Please continue to help me pick up my cross and follow You. Lord, thank You for Your love, Your faithfulness, and Your salvation. My eyes are on You, Lord, lead me. Amen.

Breakfast?

“But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Children, have you any food? ‘ They answered Him, ‘No.’ And He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.” Luke 21:5-6

This passage continues. The disciples come ashore and eat breakfast with Jesus.

After breakfast Jesus speaks to Peter and restores him. For Peter had denied knowing Jesus.

It is interesting that this restoration happened after breakfast.

The word breakfast is simple: break and fast. After hours of sleep we wake and break the fast of not eating.

After days of shame and not being with Jesus, Peter was given his calling and restored relationship.

How does this apply?

There’s often places that are broken and need restoration.

It’s tempting to ignore the broken with busy.

To “smooth over” the hurt with excuse.

True relationship doesn’t grow when dishonesty is holding a broken place.

Often the easiest method of dealing with hurt (hurt feelings, harsh words, biting criticism, disappointment, selfishness, loss…)
isn’t the way that leads to healing.

Patterns of unhealthy behavior can come from many different sources.

However it is clear from God’s Word that we are not to continue to allow such things.

Instead we need to take the opportunity to break the unhealthy pattern and allow Christ to restore.

The first step is to admit there is an unhealthy behavior.

Second is to take it to Jesus and repent.

Thirdly, there needs to be a plan to promote good habits to replace the old one.

Fourth, hold fast, it is worth the effort to make the change but old habits die hard and it takes work to replace them.

What an encouragement that we are not alone.

Just as Peter needed a personal touch from the Lord so do we, and we don’t have to wait for breakfast, He’s ready any time of the day.