I think we're too hard on the apostle Peter when the truth is that most of us can relate to Peter far better than we care to admit. It is undeniable that Peter made his fair share of mistakes. Big mistakes. Well-documented mistakes. But, sometimes I get the feeling that we think that, had we been in Peter's shoes, we would not have made the same mistakes. Our own record says otherwise.
Things have been tough for the Hall family the last several months. Like Peter, I find myself saying, "Lord, save me!" You remember the story. Jesus had sent his disciples by boat while He had gone up a mountain to pray. While the disciples were at sea, a storm came up and they were afraid. A few hours later, the disciples see Jesus walking on the water. Jesus bids Peter to come to Him on the water. Peter steps out of the boat and makes his way toward Jesus. But, he sees the storm all around him, becomes afraid, and begins to sink. "Lord, save me!" Jesus reached out to him, pulled him up, and said, "You of little faith. Why did you doubt?"
Can I be real honest, here? I admire Peter for having the guts to get out of the boat in the first place! Yes, Peter's faith was little, but it was a little bit stronger than anybody else in the boat. Yes, Peter doubted, but he doubted less than anybody else in the boat. I would have been one of those who stayed in the boat. "Safe." "Content." When, in fact, the safest place was with Jesus. When, in fact, the only source of contentment was in Jesus.
I've been feeling overwhelmed lately. I feel like the walls are falling down all around me. I feel like I can't catch a break. I'm sinking. I'm in danger of drowning. "Lord, save me!"
Think about it...
BDH
