“Why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31
Nearly three years ago, my husband became critically ill. Initially, the fear, anger, hopelessness, and exhaustion consumed us. We asked God, “Why?” for months. We were slow to hear God asking us in return, “Why are you doubting?” Thankfully, God doesn’t give up on doubters.
Roughly 2,000 years ago, Jesus asked Peter the question, “Why did you doubt?”
Just before this, Jesus had asked Peter to do what seemed impossible: walk on water. Enthusiastic trust drew Peter out of the boat; focusing on the storm raging around him, and not the Creator of the wind and waves, is what caused him to begin to sink.
When Peter realized that he was sinking, he cried out to the Lord Jesus, “Save me!” Jesus grabbed his hand and lifted him out of the water. When my husband and I felt like we were drowning in our own circumstances and fears, we too cried out to God to save us, and He did.
Our fear was replaced with unshakable peace and calm. Although we still found ourselves in very difficult circumstances, the Lord sustained us in a way we had never before known possible. When we fixed our eyes on Jesus, and not on the wind and waves around us, He rescued us from our burden of worry and doubt.
After Jesus and Peter climbed into the boat, the text tells us that Peter and his friends worshipped Jesus. Although we didn’t know at that time if my husband would recover or even live, our doubts were transformed to worship as we daily put our trust in him.
Lord Jesus, You are my Savior and Lord. Forgive me for focusing on my burdens instead of You. Lift me out of the worries I find myself sinking into; I want to put my trust and hope in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Take Action
If you are struggling in difficult circumstances right now, allow God to transform your worry into worship, in part, by praying these questions: What will You teach me in the midst of this? How can I draw others to You through these circumstances? How can I serve and help others who are struggling with the same things I am? How can I testify to Your goodness in spite of my difficulties?
If you feel you need prayer, seek out a trusted friend or pastor, or send a note to one of our online mentors.