Immediately Jesus Stretched Out His Hand

We may remember some moments in our lives when we felt bold and full of faith. And we may also remember (not so fondly) some moments after those when we weren’t so full of faith.

Similarly, Peter boldly stepped onto the water amidst the wind and waves as he walked toward Jesus on the sea. In that moment, he was doing the impossible, transcending the world. “But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid” (Mt 14:30). It’s when we start to overthink things that we begin to doubt and become afraid. “This wind is so boisterous, there’s no way I’m going to be able to stay on this water.” “The world is so full of temptations and obstacles, there’s no way I’m going to be able to overcome.” And it’s this fear that stops us, not the actual wind itself. It’s the doubt that stops us, not the actual waves themselves.

This point when we realize our faith is not enough and begin to sink is when we can only cry out “Lord, save me!” And after Peter cried out, “immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (14:31).

We may not always have mountain-moving faith, and when we don’t but need it, let us remember to cry to Him. And perhaps we will immediately see His merciful hand stretched to catch us. But let us also remember: Jesus is Master of all. He’s sitting at the right hand of God. His thoughts toward us are more in number than the sand. And He has already said, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (Mt 14:27b). Why should we fear? Why should we doubt? “Don’t be afraid. Just believe.”

Questions for Reflection

1.      What are some of the fears and doubts that are stopping us in our faith?

2.      How can we overcome seemingly impossible situations in our lives?