Why Did You Doubt?

Matthew 14
28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

• Isn’t it a lovely consideration that Peter, in the middle of this turbulence which tossed their lives about, believed that it was safer to be on the water with Jesus than in the boat! Just imagine his thoughts as he clambered over the side of the boat and lowered his foot… It seems utterly crazy! It goes against all logic and common sense! But to Peter, Jesus was his Master, Shepherd, and Example. Wherever Jesus called, he desired to follow!
• It’s important to note that Peter didn’t leave until Jesus called. He didn’t step out in ‘blind faith’. He didn’t push ahead with his own will; he asked Jesus to confirm and to call. He sought reassurance that His Master was before him and calling him to come. Until that call, he would remain on the boat.
• Understand that Peter was far more interested in being with Jesus than walking on the water! In the middle of that storm, tossing their lives to and fro, the longing of Peter’s heart and his immediate physical need was to be with His Saviour! It is precious to remember that when Jesus calls us to a work, He calls us to where He is! He does not send us out alone into the storm but rather, in the storm, He sees our struggle and He calls us to Himself. Hallelujah!

Matthew 14
30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

• When Peter realised his need, he cried! Without reservation he cried out for deliverance!! He realised his predicament, he acknowledged his helplessness, he confessed his need. This was not some academic or religious exercise! This was a desperate cry for Salvation and it is precisely this cry that The Lord responds to!
• However closely Peter had walked with Jesus in previous days, weeks, and months—however intimate their conversations may have been—notice that Peter did not call out a name, as though calling a friend or equal. Peter cried out, “LORD!” That is significant! In Jesus we do have a friend who sticks closer than a brother, we have a precious walking companion along the road, but He is Lord, Master and Shepherd! There is no deliberation or dealing, there is only obedience and trust or disobedience and faithlessness. Let us never lose a reverence for our Lord and willing obedience to Our Father. Let us never forget His holiness, His authority, and His power! May we never underestimate what God can do and desires to do through us!!
• Jesus responded IMMEDIATELY! Hallelujah! What a precious Saviour we have! The instant that Peter cried LORD, Jesus caught him! He didn’t just take Peter by the hand, but He CAUGHT him. He HELD him! What a lovely picture and reminder of the loving kindness, tender mercies, and compassion of Our Lord and Saviour! He reached down and raised up the weak, failing, untrusting flesh! Oh thank you Jesus! 
• And then there is that poignant question, “Why did you doubt?”. Why did you take your eyes off me? Why did you stop trusting in me?

Matthew 14
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

• Why do you doubt Him? Why do you live in your drowning? Why are you resigned to exist in perpetual storm, struggle, and fear? Why do you feel you need to understand and control everything? Why are you content with anything less than enjoying Christ’s fullness and His promises! Why don’t you trust? Why do you doubt Jesus? Jesus is calling you to HIMSELF! You have been called into the presence of God! You have an invitation to be WITH Him, to LIVE with HIM!! There is NOTHING that compares to being in HIS presence! There is no greater life than a life lived trusting and obeying The Lord! He is the very source of all comfort, all blessing, all joy and satisfaction! HE is perfect peace! Hallelujah!
• Oh may we be so careful to keep our eyes on Jesus, to keep all of our focus, attention, affection, service and trust on Him! Let us be so careful to avoid complacency, to resist/endure temptation and to run from ANYTHING that would hinder our intimacy with Jesus! What a wonderful and abundant Life He has promised and is faithful to bestow! What a powerful, supernatural life we can live as we continually give our hearts to obey HIS call and walk towards HIM!