Overcoming Doubt and Keeping Focus

One stormy night, Peter faced doubt. The disciples were in the middle of the sea; their boat tossed by the raging waves. Spotting a figure walking toward them on the water, they became terrified. But Jesus reassured them it was He.

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:28-31).

Why do we doubt? Why do we second guess ourselves?

How far did Peter get before the wind pulled his focus away from Jesus?

How far do we get before our focus wavers?

Our journeys will never remain all sunshine and roses. Our smooth sailings will, at some point, be met with storms and dark clouds. But we must press on, casting aside doubt and keeping our focus on Jesus. The sunshine will return, for "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).

Moving Beyond Doubt

One morning, after Jesus’s resurrection, the disciples were in their boat fishing. A man stood on the beach and called to them. At first, they didn’t realize that the person was Jesus. When Peter finally realized it was Jesus, he didn’t seek permission. This time, he didn’t ask for an invite. He plunged into the water and headed straight for Jesus.

We don’t need to wait for permission either. We’re already invited. “Follow me,” Jesus said.

So let’s forget the wind as it blows around us. Let’s ignore the storm clouds and stop doubting. Instead, let’s keep our focus on Jesus and plunge in headfirst.

“Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth.”
- Psalm 25:5 (MSG)

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Download the Fearless in 30 Challenge. Everyday, for the next 30 days, do something that scares you. Record your thoughts, actions, and results in your journal, and at the end of the Challenge review how far you’ve come.