The Devil and Doubt
Why Doubt?

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 14:25-33

Key Verse: Matthew 14:31

    Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

The story of Peter walking on the water is one of the most popular stories of the Bible.  Many sermons have been preached from these verses.  Peter was the brave one who jumped out of the boat to walk to Jesus.  Of course it wasn’t long until his faith failed and doubt overcame him!  Can you relate?

            All of us have undoubtedly had times when we had a burst of faith, but then doubt won out.  Jesus asked Peter a most important question: “Why did you doubt?”  Most of us know the answer; he took his eyes off Jesus and started focusing on the stormy waters around him.  Doubt will always win when we allow our focus to be on the external circumstances of our lives.  The human facts were real; the water was stirred up into a terrible storm.  Peter had seen these storms many times in his fishing career and he knew the dangers they presented.  Faith cannot get focused on the human facts.  Faith must see the divine facts!  The divine facts were: It was Jesus, the Son of God that was standing in front of him.

            When doubt starts to fill your mind, ask Jesus’ question: “Why do I doubt?”  Take note that your mind is focusing on all the human elements of the situation.  Now, force your mind to picture Jesus standing in front of you with His arms open!  Can you see Him?  Can you trust Him?

Father, I want to walk in faith today!  I will keep my mind focused on your presence.  By faith, I will see you and your divine power.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.