We have gauges to measure almost everything. So how do we measure faith? Jesus had a painful and busy day. First he heard of John the Baptist’s senseless martyrdom. Then in his effort to retreat to solitude, he was met by crowds with great needs. He fed the multitude, sent the disciples in a boat and retreated to pray. Then when he came walking on the water, he startled his disciples and they feared a spirit. Jesus encouraged them, “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Then Peter stepped out in faith. “If it is you, tell me to walk on the water.” Jesus invited Peter out of the boat, and for one glorious moment, Peter walked on water. It wasn’t the water that bothered him but the wind. He looked down and started to sink. Jesus rescued him and asked, “Why did you doubt, O you of little faith.” So how small was Peter’s faith? At least he walked on water. The rest of the disciples chose the security of the boat. But if Peter had kept his eyes on Christ he would not have sunk.
Do you resonate with the stories about Peter like I do? I am often momentarily brave in my faith. But doubt creeps in and I start to sink. I have faith to start, but not to finish sometimes. Often my fears of failure and the future overwhelm my faith like so much water seeping into a boat. This is why we must look to Jesus at all times and listen for his voice. If we listen today, we will hear him right on God’s standard time, saying, “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”
