Waivering Faith

Bill Brinkworth

Like most of us, there was a time when Peter’s faith was stronger than at other times. Peter found Storm clouds himself in a boat with vehement winds and threatening waves all around him. The craft was tossed helplessly by the powerful sea when he and the other disciples saw a most unusual, unbelievable sight. They saw Jesus walk toward them, and He was walking on top of the waves!

After talking with Jesus, Peter was summoned to the Saviour’s side. Without question, the disciple stepped out of the boat and joined Jesus, also walking on the water! However, Peter’s victory over all normal laws of nature did not last long. When he looked around, he felt the hard-blowing winds and saw the boisterous waves. He became afraid and sank. His lack of faith changed what was happening in his life.

So many Christians start out their Christian walk similarly as did Peter when he jumped out of the boat. When they get saved and see the wondrous changes that the Lord has accomplished in their lives, their zeal is great. They get involved in a ministry. Faithfully, they attend church, read their Bible, and converse daily with God in prayer. However, something happens to dull the excitement and fervor of their serving God. Perhaps it was an unkind word uttered by another or a question that they may be doing too much. Maybe looking around they saw others were not going on church-wide visitation as they were, or they saw that many lived differently most of the week than they did on Sunday. No matter what got them to question what they were doing for the Lord, they fell the same way Peter did; they looked around and their faith was weakened.

When anyone looks around and sees only what the natural man sees, he will be discouraged and have his faith challenged. Looking toward a pastor or leader in a church may be a better example than most have, but that leader is made of the same flesh that you and I are made. There may be a time that he may let you down. Following the example of another godly person may also be a bright light to follow but that person can make mistakes, and there may be a day that he will also disappoint you.

The only one that is perfect and cannot let you down is Jesus. Do what Peter did for a short time, keep your eye on God. Look and lean on Him. Do not look around, compare, and criticize what others are doing. We may all let you down one day because we are no more perfect than you. Look above. The Lord will never leave nor forsake you, nor let you down.

“Wrinkled by life? Look to God for a faith lift!”