Morning Devotional

July 22, 2004

"Trust Fall (Part 1)"

by Don Emmitte

Home

Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water." "All right, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him. "You don't have much faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" And when they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed. (Matthew 14:28-33 NLT).

Are you ever tempted to doubt? Several years ago, when I was still involved with the youth of the church in their summer camps, we made low-ropes a part of the camp experience. One of the exercises was the “trust fall.” It involved one person standing on a platform about three feet above the ground, facing backward to a group of six others and falling into their arms. It was designed to build a sense of “trust.” It is an amazing way to help overcome fears and teach the principle of faith.

The first time anyone does it is always the hardest, however it is never easy to trust yourself into the care of others so completely. Even when you have done it over and over, it is scary. Life is that way sometimes, isn't it? We know who God is, that He can do what He says He can, and that He will. What is more difficult is seeing that played out everyday of our life, especially when the storms of life come our way. No matter how many times He delivers us, the next time the wind blows may cause us to doubt again.

Peter is a good example of this principle. Peter was the disciple whose faith Jesus used as an example of the foundation for the church. Peter was the Rock who left his fishing business to follow Christ. Peter cut off the Roman soldier's ear when they tried to arrest Jesus. Peter was capable of great faith. It certainly took faith to step out of that boat. Jesus called to him from the boat, and Peter volunteered to come to Jesus. Jesus didn't even ask him to. Think of the amazing faith it must have taken to make that first step onto the water. But, when the wind picked up a bit, Peter was ready to doubt. He started to sink. He couldn't see Christ for the fear of this world.

Ever doubt? Is the ever a time when you just can't see what God is doing, because the circumstances of life are bigger than you can handle? Jesus would say to us what He said to Peter: "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"  If you and I have our eyes on Jesus, we have nothing to fear! Have no doubt my, God is in control!