It was early morning on Lake Galilee. The disciples were tired, having rowed against the wind through the night, when they were startled by a ghostly figure walking on the water near the boat. Their cry of alarm was more than matched by Jesus' reassurance, "It is I. Don't be afraid!" (Matthew 14:22-27). Peter, who was quick to respond, wanted to be sure that he was hearing and seeing rightly, so he challenged the misty figure to answer back. He asked that if it was Jesus, then he would respond to a command to walk on the water.
 
It was an extraordinary idea which few would have even thought of. But perhaps, having seen just Jesus feed 5,000 families, Peter had been prepared for this big challenge. Jesus called Peter to get out of the boat and walk towards Him. The fisherman obeyed and walked on water. But as he travelled further from the boat, he saw the effect of the wind whipping up the waves. Although there were only a more few steps until he reached Jesus, his faith faltered and fear took over.
 
Instead of looking at the Master, Peter took in the significance of the turbulent water and realised that he might drown. So he called out, in fear, "Lord, save me". Jesus caught his hand as he was going down and lifted him up. Peter was safe, but then had to face the reality that he was not a hero of faith at all. While he was still being held, Jesus told him that his faith was very small. After all that Peter had seen of the power in Christ's commands, why did he doubt the Lord's ability to keep him above the waves? Why had doubt gripped him?
 
It is easy to believe when there is no cost or difficulty. It is easy to start believing and to start walking in faith. But it is difficult to keep on believing when the reality of danger screams at you and you realise the situation is out of your control. Doubt reveals that we have become distracted from focussing our faith on Jesus; we have lost confidence in the sovereignty of God. Yet it is through such faith-failures that we realise how weakly we trust Jesus, and have the opportunity to repent and trust again. Faith is not being confident that you can follow Jesus, but that He always provides when He commands, and keeps His promise to look after His people. Ask Him to reveal His awesome majesty to you, so that your faith can grow as you trust Him.