He Fought Against Fear and Doubt

"Why Did You Give Way to  Doubt?" 

Some two years after meeting Jesus, Peter rowed through that windy night on the Sea of Galilee, as mentioned earlier. Of courese we cannot know what memories crossed his mind.  There were so many to choose from!  Jesus had healed Peter's mother-in-law. He had delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Again and again, through his teaching and his powerful works,he had demonstrated that he was Jehovah's Chosen One, the Messiah. As the  months passed, Peter's faults, such as his tendency to give in to him impulses of fear and doubt, had surely subsided to a degree.  Jesus had even chosen Peter to be one of the 12  apostles! Still, Peter had not yet vanquished fear and doubt, as he would soon learn. 

During the fourth watch of the night, or somewhee betweeb  3:00 am and sunrise, Peter suddenly stopped rowing and sat bolt upright.  There-accross the waves-something was moving!  Was it a spray of the waves catching the moonlight! No, it was too steady, too upright.  It was a man! Yes, a man and he was walking on the surface of the sea! As the figure neared, it looked as though he was to walk right by them.  Terrified, the disciples thought it was somed kind of apparition. The man spoke:  "Take courage it is I; have no fear."  It was Jesus! - MATTHEW 14:25-28. 

Peter responded: "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you over the waters."  His first impulse was a courageous one. Full of excitement at this unique miracle, Peter sought to have his faith confirmed.  He wanted to be part of the action.  Kindly, Jesus beckoned him. Peter clambered over the side of the side of the vessel and down onto the undulating surface of the sea.  Imagine Peter's sensation as he found solid footing beneath him and then stood on top of the waters.  He must have been filled with wonder as he made his way toward Jesus.  However, another impulse soo welled up in him.  - Read MATTHEW 14:29. 

Next time: He Fought Against Fear and Doubt - "Why Did You Give Way to Doubt?" -Conclusion

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