He Fought Against Fear and Doubt

 Peter straineed against the oar and peered into the night.  Was that a faint glow he saw on the eastern horizon,  a sign of dawn at last?  The muscles on his back and shoulders burned from long hours of rowing. The wind that whipped his hair about had churned the Sea of Galilee  into rage. Wave after wave crashed against the prow of the fishing boat, soaking him with cold spray.  He rowed on. 

Somewhere back there on shore, Peter and his companions had left Jesus by himself.  That day, they had seen Jesus feed a hungry crowd of thousands with just a few loaves and fish. The people responded by seeking to make Jesus king, but he wanted no part of politics.  He was also determined  to keep his followers from cultivating such ambitions.  Evading the crowds, he compelled his disciples to board the boat and head for the opposite shore while he went into the mountains alone to pray. - MARK 6:35-45; read JOHN 6:14-17.

The moon, nearly full, had been high overhead when the disciples set out; now it was sinking slowly toward the eastern horizon.  Yet, they had managed to travel only a few miles. The exertion and the constant roar of the wind and the waves made conversation difficult. Likely, Peter was alone withe his thoughts. 

How much there was to think about! Peter had first met Jesus of Nazareth over two eventful years earlier.  He had learned a great deal, but he still had much to learn. HIs willingness to do so-to struggle against such obstacles as doubt and fear- make him an outstanding example for us to imitate.  Let us see why.  

Next time: He Fought Against Fear and Doubt - "We Have Found the Messiah"! 

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