"Why did you doubt?"

Matthew 14: 29-31 (NIV)
"Come," Jesus said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

The first thing Peter did when he recognised Jesus was to move towards him. It was unconscious and without thought to the danger of the storm and sea - like a moth invariably drawn to a flame. Focused only on Jesus, he did the impossible by walking on water.

Yet, the very instance he begins to consider his circumstances and surroundings, he falters and begins to sink. It was not that Peter did not know where he was going - Peter could see his destination, he could see Jesus. It was that he stopped to consider the ferocity of his circumstances, and he doubted. In life, often the difficult thing is not in knowing what is right or where to go - often what we should do is clearly known to us. The real difficulty lies in blocking out the noise of the world and heading unswervingly in that direction. If I start to consider the circumstances instead of focusing on God, I can too easily be overwhelmed and not recognised Jesus and His hand in all my circumstances. To trust in God wholeheartedly is to recklessly abandon and step out in faith. It is where my answer is already 'yes', before I know what is asked of me - because I know that my Lord is working things out for my good and His glory.

Heavenly Father, help me to let go of self-consideration and cautious hesitation.
Thank you for putting challenges in my life so I may grow in love & godliness.
Help me to be bold in stepping out for you, focusing without falter on Christ. Amen.