After feeding 5,000, Jesus sends his disciples across the sea without him, retreating to a place of prayer.  The disciples incur a storm on the sea.  Jesus comes to them walking on water.  Their response is one of fear, yet Jesus instructs them to take courage and not be afraid.  Peter inserts himself by stating that if this is Jesus, he commands him to walk on water as well.  Jesus simply states, “Come”, for which Peter does.  Initially, Peter walks on water, walking towards Jesus, but the he sees the wind, fear results in Peter sinking into the water.  Jesus describes Peter’s doubt, even asking why Peter doubts. 

We too enthusiastically seek to follow Jesus, and then the fears and doubts come as life batters us.  In Peter, we see the example of faithfulness and fear.  We hear Jesus’ words, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”.  We respond through worship and declaration of who God is.  Our fear does not disqualify us from following.  Our response matters. 

Scripture - Matthew 14:25-34