Digging Deeper – The Testing of Our Faith
28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
Matthew 14:28-31 (NLT)
THE TESTING OF OUR FAITH
Imagine a tightrope stretched across a deep canyon. A skilled tightrope walker balances confidently, crossing back and forth as the crowd watches in awe. The performer then asks, “Do you believe I can carry someone across on my back?” The crowd cheers, “Yes!” But when he asks for a volunteer, silence falls. Believing in theory is easy; stepping onto the rope requires trust. Peter faced a similar test of faith. As he stepped out of the boat during a storm, his initial focus was on Jesus. Miraculously, he walked on water. But as soon as he noticed the wind and waves, fear overwhelmed him, and he began to sink.
This story reminds us that faith is more than belief—it’s trust in action. It’s stepping onto the “tightrope” of life’s challenges, even when the winds howl and the waves rise. Testing our faith often means leaving the safety of the boat and walking into the unknown, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. The key to Peter’s moment of triumph—and failure—was his focus. While his eyes were on Jesus, he accomplished the impossible. When he focused on the storm, he faltered. Like Peter, we often start with bold faith, but the pressures of life—uncertainty, fear, or doubt—can shift our gaze away from Christ.
The good news is that even when Peter began to sink, Jesus didn’t let him drown. Instead, He immediately reached out His hand and pulled him to safety. Testing our faith isn’t about never faltering; it’s about learning to cry out, “Lord, save me!” and trusting that He will respond.
In life, storms will come, and our faith will be tested. The question is, will we focus on the chaos or the One who has authority over it? Like the crowd at the canyon, it’s not enough to cheer from the sidelines; we must step out in trust, even when it feels risky.
Take a moment to reflect: What “storm” are you facing today? What step of faith is God asking you to take? Fix your eyes on Jesus, the One who calls you to trust Him. And when your faith falters, remember His hand is always there to lift you up.
With Jesus, you can walk on water—even in the storm.
Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Maturity at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton. He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.
