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Why Did You Doubt?
SCRIPTURE READING — MATTHEW 14:22-33
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
— Matthew 14:31
What is the craziest thing you have ever done? I could mention a few things from my younger days, but let’s leave that to the imagination.
How about in your life of faith? What is the craziest thing God has ever challenged you to do? Were you up for the challenge, or did you hear excuses in your head about why you couldn’t possibly try? Did you jump in with both feet and find, to your surprise, that maybe it wasn’t so impossible after all?
I wonder how big the smile was on Jesus’ face when Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you . . . tell me to come to you on the water.” I love it that Peter was ready to test his faith even when things looked impossible. He stepped out of the boat looking at Jesus. And as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, his steps went in the right direction. Even with little faith, his walk on water was possible. But when Peter looked around him and saw the wind and deep water, he became afraid and started to sink.
When Jesus asks for our trust, he knows there is a bigger story to be written. There are days when circumstances muddy the waters and the trust factor diminishes.
Perhaps today is a day to refocus where you are looking. How can you keep your eyes on Jesus?
Lord, help me to trust you with my life. Will you help me to walk and keep walking toward you? I need your help to keep my eyes focused on you and to trust you in the midst of the impossible. Amen.
About the author — Beth Fellinger
Pastor Beth Fellinger is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has more than 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. She and her husband, Barry, have created a missional community in their neighborhood called the Ugly Couch Cafe. From serving coffee at a blue picnic table on their front lawn, to praying with neighbors, to hosting faith gatherings on a weekly basis, the Ugly Couch Cafe has grown—and nothing gives Beth greater joy than introducing people to Jesus.
SCRIPTURE READING — MATTHEW 14:22-33
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
— Matthew 14:31
What is the craziest thing you have ever done? I could mention a few things from my younger days, but let’s leave that to the imagination.
How about in your life of faith? What is the craziest thing God has ever challenged you to do? Were you up for the challenge, or did you hear excuses in your head about why you couldn’t possibly try? Did you jump in with both feet and find, to your surprise, that maybe it wasn’t so impossible after all?
I wonder how big the smile was on Jesus’ face when Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you . . . tell me to come to you on the water.” I love it that Peter was ready to test his faith even when things looked impossible. He stepped out of the boat looking at Jesus. And as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, his steps went in the right direction. Even with little faith, his walk on water was possible. But when Peter looked around him and saw the wind and deep water, he became afraid and started to sink.
When Jesus asks for our trust, he knows there is a bigger story to be written. There are days when circumstances muddy the waters and the trust factor diminishes.
Perhaps today is a day to refocus where you are looking. How can you keep your eyes on Jesus?
Lord, help me to trust you with my life. Will you help me to walk and keep walking toward you? I need your help to keep my eyes focused on you and to trust you in the midst of the impossible. Amen.
About the author — Beth Fellinger
Pastor Beth Fellinger is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has more than 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. She and her husband, Barry, have created a missional community in their neighborhood called the Ugly Couch Cafe. From serving coffee at a blue picnic table on their front lawn, to praying with neighbors, to hosting faith gatherings on a weekly basis, the Ugly Couch Cafe has grown—and nothing gives Beth greater joy than introducing people to Jesus.
