And another thing about faith...

"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
​~ Matthew 14:29
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I've decided that I am so thankful that our faith isn't determined on whether we can step out onto the water or not. I mean, I know that I have faith that God is present, it's just that I don't know if I could do something like step out of a boat, and attempt what Peter did.

I always remind myself it was only one person out of an entire boat full of Jesus' followers who even dared to step out of the boat. The rest remained safe inside and watched.

We all have our own individual reasons for believing in God. The same goes with the way that we express that belief.

Jesus calling Peter out to walk on the waves was God's way of dealing with Peter. It just so happens he did it in front of a boat load of people. Our response to God's calling is not always meant to be a public display.

I sat and listened to someone doubt their relationship with God, all because they never stood up, walked to the front of the church, and made a public confession that Jesus was their Savior. It was hard for the person to receive the comfort of knowing that the relationship was valid, all because he had to react to his faith in a specific way.

I'm so glad that Peter's future as the cornerstone of the church wasn't dependent upon the day he began to sink like a rock, rather than being the rock that Jesus would claim he would build his church.

The same goes for each one of us. The funny thing about faith is the fact it is based upon the belief in something that we can't see. It's knowing something exists, like the air we breathe, without thinking about it.

While Peter begins to doubt his faith, and surely must have had a brain flash, "I can't walk on water," Jesus is already present to help pull him from the abyss.

Like I shared earlier, I'm glad that my faith is not dependent upon my ability to get out of a boat and step onto the water, or by making a public declaration. It is the reminder that it is present and real, just like the air, and available to be lived out in our own personal ways.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2018