I often find myself dealing with doubt. And with the doubt, shame floods in. I feel guilty that my faith isn’t stronger. However, reading the story of Jesus walking on water and seeing how He responded to Peter’s moment of doubt encourages me.
Peter saw Jesus’ miracles and listened to His teaching firsthand. He was present when Jesus was transfigured on the mountain and was the first disciple to confess Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Despite this immediate access to Jesus, Peter still confronted doubt. When Jesus walked toward the disciples on the water and told Peter to come to Him, Peter obediently followed. But when Peter saw the wind and the waves surrounding him, he became afraid and sank.
Yet Jesus’ response to Peter in Peter’s moment of doubt is noteworthy. Instead of shaming or shunning Peter and leaving him in a perilous situation to fend for himself, Jesus reached out, caught Peter, and helped him into the boat.
When I wrestle with doubt, I too cry out to God for help, and He shows up for me just as He did for Peter. Instead of feeling guilty or ashamed, I direct those feelings to my Creator and ask Him to help me through my doubt and strengthen my faith—two requests He delights to fulfill.
Instead of feeling guilty or ashamed when you struggle with doubt, cry out to Jesus to save you and increase your faith. He will not leave you alone but will meet you where you are and build and refine your faith.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and danymena88.)
Emily Marszalek enjoys the simple pleasures in life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband Nick and their two Goldendoodles, Charlie and Lucy. She loves jigsaw puzzles, animals, rock music, and all flavors of birthday cake.