(Part 1: Oh You of Little Faith: A Call to Deeper Trust)
Introduction: The Reality of Doubt in Faith
Doubt is an uncomfortable yet universal experience in the Christian journey. Even the disciples, who walked with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and heard His teachings firsthand, were rebuked for their “little faith.” How could they, who saw His power so vividly, still doubt? And what does this say about us?
Matthew 14:31 records Jesus’ poignant question to Peter:
“Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ He said, ‘why did you doubt?’”
This rebuke wasn’t meant to condemn Peter but to challenge him—and us—to examine the root of our doubts. Does doubting mean we lack faith entirely? Or can it coexist with belief, serving as an opportunity for spiritual growth?
Understanding the Context: Peter’s Walk on Water
The scene unfolds on the Sea of Galilee, where the disciples are caught in a storm. Amidst the chaos, Jesus appears, walking on the water. In awe and disbelief, Peter calls out, “Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come to You on the water.”
Jesus responds, “Come.”
Peter steps out in faith, walking on water toward Jesus. But as he notices the wind and the waves, fear takes over, and he begins to sink. In his panic, he cries out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately rescues him, but His words cut deep:
“You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Peter’s experience mirrors our own. We often start strong in faith but falter when circumstances grow overwhelming. This raises critical questions: Why do we doubt? And how can we confront this faith that falters?
The Anatomy of Doubt
Doubt often arises from three sources:
- Fear of Circumstances
Peter’s initial faith faltered when he shifted his focus from Jesus to the storm. Similarly, when life’s challenges grow daunting, our faith can waver. Fear magnifies the size of our problems and diminishes our view of God’s power.- Biblical Insight: Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
- Uncertainty About God’s Nature
Doubt often stems from misunderstanding God’s character. We question whether He truly cares or whether His promises apply to us.- Biblical Insight: Numbers 23:19: “God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfil?”
- Impatience with God’s Timing
When answers to prayers are delayed, doubt creeps in. We wonder if God is paying attention or if He has forgotten us.- Biblical Insight: Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Debating Doubt: A Curse or a Catalyst?
Some argue that doubt is a sign of spiritual weakness—a lack of trust in God. Others contend that doubt, when approached with humility, can lead to deeper faith. Let’s explore both perspectives:
- Doubt as a Weakness:
Critics of doubt often cite James 1:6-8, which warns that a doubter is “like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” They argue that doubt divides our loyalty and undermines our ability to receive from God. - Doubt as a Catalyst:
Others point to Biblical figures like Thomas, who doubted Jesus’ resurrection but ultimately declared, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). In this view, doubt is not the end of faith but a stepping stone to deeper belief when we seek God earnestly.
Lessons from Peter’s Experience
- Faith Requires Focus
Peter’s mistake wasn’t stepping out of the boat—it was taking his eyes off Jesus. To overcome doubt, we must fix our gaze on Christ rather than our circumstances.- Key Action: Practice daily prayer and meditation on God’s Word to keep your focus on Him.
- Jesus Responds to Our Cries
Peter’s sinking could have ended in disaster, but he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out to rescue him. This teaches us that even when our faith falters, God’s grace sustains us.- Key Action: When doubt overwhelms you, call on Jesus. He is always ready to help.
- Growth Through Rebuke
Jesus’ rebuke of Peter was not rejection but redirection. It invited Peter to grow in faith and trust. Similarly, God allows challenges to refine our faith.- Key Action: Reflect on your doubts. What do they reveal about your relationship with God, and how can they inspire growth?
Practical Steps to Confront Doubt
- Remember Past Victories: Recall moments when God proved His faithfulness in your life.
- Anchor Yourself in Scripture: Memorise verses that affirm God’s promises, such as Romans 8:28 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
- Surround Yourself with Believers: Fellowship with others who can encourage you in faith.
- Pray Honestly: Share your doubts with God, as David often did in the Psalms.
Conclusion: A Call to Trust
Faith is not the absence of doubt but the determination to trust God despite it. Jesus’ question to Peter—“Why did you doubt?”—is one we must answer in our own lives. Let this moment be an invitation to deepen your trust in God, knowing that His power is greater than any storm you face.
- Closing Scripture: Hebrews 12:2: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
As you reflect on this first part of the series, ask yourself: What storms in my life have caused my faith to falter, and how can I redirect my focus to the One who calms the seas?
Stay tuned for Part 2: “When the Waves Rise: Trusting God in Chaos.”