When the winds of life are blowing out of control, it’s difficult to see beyond what lies directly ahead. Sometimes the trials that loom seem insurmountable. What do you do when life makes you doubt?

I’ve seen my share of wind and waves, and I know what it’s like to be knocked down and feel like I am nearly drowning by the heaviness of life. 

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to storms and trials I’m so much like Peter. 

I start out determined to have faith. 

I want to take big strides toward God and make it known that I love Him fearlessly. 

I would like to imagine that I would have been the one who ran to the edge of the boat and stepped out on the water. 

A Step of Faith

When I take the first step, I’m amazed and in awe of God and His power. I notice the way He controls my life and carries me through the difficult stuff. But then there comes a point when a wave begins to make me feel unsteady. I feel the impact of the next wave and then I look. 

I see the tide rolling faster toward me and feel the wind against my face. I’m bombarded by fear and nearly taken down. In that final moment I look to the Lord and cry out like Peter, 

“Lord, save me!” 

When Peter stepped out of the boat he started out with the right motive and heart’s desire – to get to Jesus. When He saw the wind, the waves, and the water, he panicked. Just like you and just like me, panic struck his mind. His heart became focused on the sea that He immediately forgot about the Savior. 

And then he heard the words, “O ye of little fatih, why did you doubt?” 

I don’t want to doubt. 

I want to run to the side of the boat, step out on the water, and walk to Jesus. I want to get all the way to Him. 

Peter took a huge leap of faith when he took the first step. I believe He had faith, but somewhere between the the second step and Jesus, Peter forgot why he stepped out of the boat. 

I do the same thing. I take a step and I forget. I get sidetracked by obstacles, and wind and I begin to worry and sink. I want to be with Jesus and rest safe in His arms, but with so many waves coming from every direction it’s really difficult not to get side tracked and taken under.

When Life Makes You Doubt

I don’t know what is taking you down this week, but I know this – Jesus controls the wind, the waves, and the water. He’s with you in the sea that seems to be out of control, and He knows every wave that nearly takes you down. When life makes you doubt, Jesus is there.

Here are 3 things to do when your faith is sinking: 

1. Look to Jesus.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

2. Don’t panic.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (KJV)

3. Rest in God’s embrace.

“Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.” Psalm 116:7 (KJV)

Sometimes we know what we need to do, but the reality of actually practicing it is a completely different story. I know I should keep my eyes on Jesus, but when I have a houseful of people that need me, I’m captivated by the things that are undone. I know I should gaze into Jesus eyes, but it’s much less convicting to scroll through my Facebook feed and let my brain go on autopilot. When I look into His eyes, I see my need. 

I see that I am weak and He is strong.

I see that I cannot manufacture faith. 

I cannot manipulate my way out of fear. 

There is only one way to escape the strength of the waves. I must get my eyes gazing into the powerful eyes of the One who created the waves. He has the power to calm the waves. He has the power to eliminate the storm. When I pull away because of fear and I look around at the possibilities, I forfeit my faith. 

As we go into a new week, let’s put actions to our faith. It might not be a great big step or leap, but it might simply be looking to Jesus, focussing on His face, or sitting in His presence a little bit longer. 

Don’t waste time evaluating how high the waves will hit, how hard the wind might blow, or how deep the water is below your feet. When life makes you doubt, keep your eyes on Jesus. He controls every bit of where you are. 

Love & Blessings,