“Why did you doubt?” Thus says the Lord: Reflection by Jane Pimenta of Prayer Aid

“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out “Lord save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand caught him saying to him “”You of little faith, why did you doubt.”  Mt. 14:28-31   

                           

Walking on the water, is walking in faith.   Often we are overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, we struggle to trust Jesus and be at peace, but the fear clings to us.   That is our faith battling with the negative influences.   Ultimately God rewards that struggle….Do we learn from that struggle?  Most often we do not!   We struggle every time, St Paul confirms this struggle of ours in Romans 7:19-25.  He says he wants to do good but ends up doing evil!  Then he asks in vs 24 who will save him and he confirms Jesus Christ.  So let us feel encouraged that our struggle has a meaning and a reward, God blesses our struggle as it is constantly fighting against fear and anxiety to stay walking in faith…..

(Jane always write straightforward and insightful reflection about the gospel.  Just like St Peter, we always fail and God sees our struggle.  Yet, God rewards the faithful till the end.). Cynthia Abegail for New World.