Do you live in fear, or trust?

A reflection on Matthew 14: 22 +

Jesus sent his disciples into a boat, dismissed the crowds that were following him, and then went up the mountain alone to pray.  The boat carrying the disciples was a few miles offshore, being tossed around by the waves because of a strong wind against it.

Jesus approached the disciples, walking on the water.  They thought they were seeing a ghost and "cried out in fear."  Jesus told them "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."

Peter offered up a challenge that led to Jesus calling him out on the water.  When Peter was on the water, the strong wind frightened him and he began to sink.  He cried out to Jesus, "Lord, save me!" and Jesus "stretched out his hand and caught him," saying "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?  From this exchange, those in the boat exclaimed Jesus as the Son of God.

It is easy for us to ridicule Peter for stepping out in faith, only to allow that faith to waver at the first sign of fear as he began to sink, but when you think about it, at least Peter knew where to turn when he was in trouble.

Do you?

Or do you allow your fears to overwhelm you whenever you begin to sink, rather than grasp the outstretched hand of God that is available to save you?

Do you try to save yourself, or look for salvation in places that leave you more anxious and fearful?

We really should not be too rough on Peter because, first of all, he had the courage to step out on faith, and secondly, he knew where to turn when he wavered.

Stepping out on faith is something Christians must do throughout their life if they are going to follow the way of Jesus.  We do not know what tomorrow will bring, and sometimes this is frightening, but to stand still goes against our foundation as missionary people.

Jesus says "Come" to Peter, which is transformed into "Go" for all of us.  This is the final commissioning of the disciples at the end of Matthew's Gospel, where Jesus tells them, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit."

To do this is to step out on the water and grasp the hand of Jesus whenever we begin to fear or feel as if we are going to sink.

The very last words of Matthew's Gospel are:  "And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."

Do we doubt this, or do we live in trust that it is true?