Doubt – Away With You!
O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (Mat 14:31)
An all-time piercing question asked by Jesus when Peter got swallowed in Fear after having one of the most glorious triumphs any follower of Christ has had in the past. Picture this scene logically – Peter literally walked on water – the impossible was achieved – yet the lingering trouble that was there from the start – the storm – did not change demeanor or aggression (according to the written information), yet Peter’s focus shifted.
Doubt
Let’s start talking about this feeling that quite so often comes between us and God. Doubt can present itself in a plethora of forms and there are none being more justified by it’s owner than doubt. When doubt is being justified the floodgates of imperfect human logic and reasoning are opened and all that fills the dams of our lives is our excuses for allowing doubt to settle in our hearts and drive a wedge between us and God.
Reverting back to Peter on the Sea of Galilee being struck vehemently by a raging storm, threatening to tear their small planked boat to pieces. The fear of the storm overpowered their senses, yet Jesus appears and the fear of the storm is replaced by the fear of Jesus. Many times in our lives Jesus does not appear in the fashion that we expect Him to, or even want Him to. He appears the way He sees fit and many times does that induce a feeling of fear in the expectant’s heart as the unprecedented appearance calls for an unprecedented, blind obedience and trust, whereas that thought is frightening to most. The frightening sense erupts out of fear of having to give too much, of having to surrender all. In life I have seen it many times – Jesus most often comes in ways that rather fills us with fear than leave us comforted.
Are we afraid that Jesus will demand too much of us? Do we count up the cost?
Jesus’ reply to these fearful men was simple and straightforward.
Matthew 14:27
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
“Be of good cheer” – A phrase used by Christ to put the listeners at ease and peacefully yet authoritatively present His power over the situation. Jesus is in control – this phrase will either push you back into your unbelief or motivate you to take action upon faith.
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Once again Jesus assures His triumph, but the action of His followers will either be one of blind and complete faith or doubt and withdrawal.
When Peter heard these words “Be of good cheer” there was something triggered within Him, a knowing of Jesus’ power and ability, yet a willingness to be a part of that, and a hunger to do what Jesus does. These words hurled Peter to action, His faith was transformed into action. That is what the words of Jesus is supposed to transform within us. Our faith must be exhibited in taking any call to action – mentioned and unmentioned – to the glory of Jesus Christ. This is how faith is inspired by Jesus.
What is so exciting about our faith in Jesus is that it does not stop by us. It is contagious! We all know that there are some people in whose presence it is easy to doubt, nevertheless there are some people in whose presence you will have faith to move mountains. Let’s be those pillars of faith for those around us. Let’s take action and trust in Jesus.
The time of reckoning has come – now Peter has to put his actions where his faith is. At this point in life most people stagger back and fail. How many professing Christians, claiming to have faith, actually have any triumph in their lives? Triumph over sin? Victory over depression? Defeat of lust?
James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Where is the evidence of these proclaiming Christians’ faith? It stops in the boat. The thin planks of the boat provide more comfort and ease than the hands of the Creator who has the storm in the palms of His hands. You know why? People are comforted by that which they are familiar with and Jesus shatters those comfort zones, exposing all the doubt and rendering you open in all your unbelief and doubt.
These words will be ridiculed as fanaticism in the church today. Peter seeing the impossible, yearning for a part in it calls out “ Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” (Matthew 14:28) Jesus never ridicules faith, He does not correct or condemn Peter, He simply says “Come.” When the whole world is in turmoil and nothing makes sense logically and everyone around you tries to speak sense into your faith – listen for those words – Come! Get out of that boat and GO! It does not make sense, because it is supernatural, it does not put you in the lap of comfort, it rips you out of it. It does not say it will be easy, it testifies of blind trust. It does not try to convince – you either come or you don’t.
No one can ever deny the fact that Peter subsequently walked on water. The impossible was made possible through the faith in Jesus Christ. As long as He trusted in Jesus the victory lasted. Up until this day Peter stays an inspiration for all, because He was willing to get out and trust.
As mentioned in the beginning the storm stayed the same, Jesus stayed the same, but Peter’s faith was transformed into doubt, by losing focus. Peter wanted to do what Jesus did and for that his eyes had to stay focused upon Jesus, but when his eyes drifted to start thinking of the storm raging around Him Doubt set in and he failed.
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
This brings us to the question asked by Jesus, “Wherefore didst thou doubt?”
Measures and reasons for doubt differs with every person, but the result stays the same regardless of who it entangles. It will always leave you weak-minded and faithless.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
If you want to overcome doubt, and keep walking on water with Jesus – keep your eyes focused on Him!
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