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In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It's a ghost!" and they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying "Cheer up! I AM! Don't be afraid." Peter answered him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters." He said, "Come!" Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. Matthew 14:24–32 WEB.

At the word of Jesus, Peter gently touched the water with his foot, and it became solid. So he stepped out of the fishing boat onto the sea's surface. Then Peter began walking across the water towards Jesus. He must have thought, "This is amazing. I am walking on water!"

Soon though, the wind blew harder against him, and the waves became violent. Peter began to think, "Hey, wait a minute. I can't do this! This is crazy! What am I doing out here?" When Peter began to waver and doubt, he sank like a rock. Doubt literally means "Divided in two." Faith and doubt are polar opposites. Faith is single-mindedly focused on Jesus regardless of the circumstances around you.

Jesus reached out and saved Peter. When they got into the boat, He asked Peter one question: "Why did you doubt?" Apparently, Peter's point of failure was doubt. Whether he doubted himself, his ability to do it, or if he had heard the Lord call him at all isn't clear. It is clear that Peter was walking on top of the water, but when he began to doubt, he sank into it.

Sometimes the Lord calls us to do something, and we step out in faith, but then resistance comes. For if you do anything meaningful, it will. It becomes scary, and the wind really starts to blow against us. At this point, we can keep our eyes on Jesus and stay the course or begin to doubt that we can do this at all and sink like a rock.

Today, forget the wind. Focus on Jesus and keep taking those steps that He called you to do. Don't be distracted by the noise and things that go on around you. Get up, keep going, and take the next step. Fear and doubt are your enemies. Push them out of your mind, and refresh yourself with scripture. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that you strengthen my faith, build me up, and shape me into what I need to be. Please teach me, guide me, and give me a clear vision and a clear mind. Help me focus on You, and give me the grace to serve You wholeheartedly. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: Today is "Feel Good Friday" at the FAAD (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) group! On this day, we uplift each other with posts of encouragement and joy! All are welcome to join and participate! As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.