Why are You Afraid?

And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “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, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. (Matthew 14:25-32 ESV). What a surprising question for Jesus to ask Peter! “Why did you doubt me?” Peter saw the wind, that's why! The wind was real. Peter was familiar with storms that came upon the water. He knew a storm could wipe him out; literally drown him. Sure, Jesus was real, but Peter had never walked on water before. And the wind seemed more real at the time, than did his faith in Jesus. He was afraid. Has Jesus ever asked you why you doubted Him? The answer is obvious. Just as Peter, who had enough faith to step out of the boat, but then saw the wind and became afraid, you and I face challenges in life that cause us to doubt Christ. Be honest with yourself and God, it happens! The problems are real! Sometimes the problems seem more real than our faith! I'm glad Matthew tells us that Jesus "immediately" reached out His hand. When Peter felt as though life was about to end, Jesus spared no time. He saved Peter before he could fall completely. Notice that Jesus didn't stop Peter from being afraid. Jesus could have stopped the wind that scared Peter. He could have calmed the storm prior to Peter getting out of the boat. Instead, Jesus didn't calm the wind until they were both safe, back in the boat. Jesus could have put placed Peter's feet upon solid ground, upon which to walk to Jesus. He did so when the Israelites crossed the Jordon. Instead, Jesus allowed Peter to sink when he saw the wind. He does this so that we might better learn to trust in Him completely. The principle is that sometimes we are afraid; sometimes we even "sink" a little. But, Jesus, our Savior, will "immediately" reach out His hand before we fall too far. If you are just barely hanging on in life right now, if you are being frightened by the wind, and you feel like you are sinking, look for Jesus’ hand. He is never far away. Have faith! You do not have to doubt!