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Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matt. 14:31)
Some of us are quiet doubters. We’re afraid to let anyone know that we’re not always sure whether God loves us or confident that he has brought us into his family. That’s embarrassing to admit—especially if you’ve been a Christian for a while.
You may have even helped other people to come to Christ or grow in their faith, but here you are wondering, “Does he really love me?” Who can you share that with? Other believers might think less of you or not let you serve anymore. Or, worse, your uncertainty might cause someone else to stumble.
The apostle Peter was different. He was one of those guys who could live out his faith publicly—even when it was embarrassing.
Jesus had called him to be one of his apostles (see Luke 6:13–14). He wanted Peter to be with him, and he wanted to send him out to preach (see Mark 3:14). Peter was part of Jesus’s inner circle, and he was also the first person to publicly declare that Jesus was God’s Messiah (see Matt. 16:15–20). But, not too much earlier, his confidence in Christ had faltered.
He and the other disciples had been in a boat and were not making much progress as they headed into a strong wind—when Jesus walked out to them on the surface of the lake. Peter asked Jesus to invite him to come to him on top of the waves, and Jesus did.
Peter started well. He stepped out of the boat and began walking toward Jesus, but then he looked around and was overawed at the power of the broken creation that opposed them, and he began to sink. Jesus rescued him, but also called him out, saying, “Why did you doubt?”
Jesus named the issue publicly, but not to shame Peter or embarrass him. Nor did that doubt follow him the rest of his life to affect his relationship with Christ or his ministry. Peter not only continued to be an apostle but also helped to lead the other apostles after Jesus ascended into heaven, and he was the vehicle through which Jesus turned many people from their sins to himself (see Acts 2:14–41).
Doubt did not forever define Peter or mark how Jesus related to him—it didn’t discourage Jesus, back him off, or make him rethink his choice. Jesus put his finger on the problem so that Peter could move beyond it instead of staying stuck in it. Peter’s doubt in God did not make God doubt his choice of Peter or his plans for Peter’s life.
In the same way, your doubt in his love does not cause Jesus to doubt the wisdom of loving you. He doesn’t believe that doubt will have the last word on you. You shouldn’t either.
Jesus loves you, regardless of your doubts. No doubt of yours will make him back away or disown you.
Are you afraid of talking with God about your doubts? Ask him to show you how your doubt doesn’t intimidate him or turn him against you. Ask him to show you instead how much he wants to free you from your doubt.
Act: Have you been afraid to tell other people your doubts? Ask God for a friend or mentor who can handle hearing what you’re wrestling with and can help you to see that God is not afraid of your secret doubts.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS REFRESHER TO BE HELPFUL.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM