Because of a Storm

I recently read this profound quote by C.S. Lewis from his book, A Grief Observed:

 

 “God has not been trying an experiment on my faith or love in order to find out their quality. He knew it already. It was I who didn't. In this trial He makes us occupy the dock, the witness box, and the bench all at once. He always knew that my temple was a house of cards. His only way of making me realize the fact was to knock it down.” 

We may think that we know the quality of our faith but, unless it is tested how do we really know?  A house of cards can stand effortlessly and in oblivion until the wind blows and the waves crash. 

Consider another C.S. Lewis Quote: 

"You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you. It is easy to say you believe a rope to be strong and sound as long as you are merely using it to cord a box. But suppose you had to hang by that rope over a precipice. Wouldn't you then first discover how much you really trusted it?” 

Peter had good intentions when he stepped out of the boat and attempted to walk across the water towards Jesus.  He wanted to follow Jesus.  He loved Jesus.  He believed in Jesus and he was brave enough to step out..but, then his eyes got distracted by the winds and the storm, he was filled with fear and he began to sink.  He cried out to Jesus to save him and ever faithful, Jesus stretched out his hand and saved Peter from drowning.  [Matthew 14]

Good ol' Peter.  So human and feeble like so many of us.  I can't tell you how much I love that the Bible is crammed full of stories of real people just like you and I who struggled, doubted and had to be saved.  What would we do without Jesus? 

Peter started out with the best of intentions but, it took a storm to reveal his doubts and his fears.  I'm quite certain that this near drowning experience was a life lesson that Peter would never forget.  Don't focus on the storm Peter it will only cause you to fear and doubt.  Focus on Jesus Peter.  You will sink when you take your eyes off Jesus Peter.  Keep your eyes on Jesus.  The storm is dark, deceiving and full of death.  Don't look to the left or to the right Peter or you might stumble. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Jesus saves.  Jesus always saves.

In the storm, Peter doubted.  Peter was fearful.  Peter was a bit of a fool.  Peter was human.  

but,

Jesus saved him and would not let him drown.

and after the storm passed, 

 "when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Because of a storm, 

They trusted who Jesus was and they worshiped him for it.