Why did you DOUBT me?

Matthew 14:24-31 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

In the mist of tribulation, the strong winds and heavy waves of life can take us far from our safety. Scripture says they were in trouble. In our troubles, as we wait for the Lord, HE can come in an unexpected way. Many Christians today are not familiar with anything spiritual. If God is Spirit, then we must seek spiritual things for we are to be a spiritual people. But many Christians go to church and experience only natural physical things. They only experience their emotions. They only experience what they feel in the physical. They have yet to encounter God. They have yet to encounter HIM in a spiritual way. Scripture states only those who are led by the Spirit are the sons of God.

The disciples were in trouble and they were waiting for the Lord. But the Lord came to them in a total unexpected way. HE came to them walking on water. Scripture states, they were terrified. They cried out, "Its a ghost!" Many Christians react the same way today if they were to encounter anything spiritual or unnatural. Many Christians become terrified and fail to pursue the Holy Spirit. This can be most dangerous if we have no discernment and only fear. We may end up rejecting the Holy Spirit for HE comes in Spirit and in the supernatural. If HE manifests HIMSELF through the gifts of the Spirit and if one continuously reject the gifts, such a person may end up blaspheming HIM.

Jesus walking on water was normal to HIM. Jesus was moving in the Spirit. But seeing someone walking on the water is not normal to us. But perhaps, we, in the physical are the ones who are abnormal. When we cry out to Jesus for help, how do we expect HIM to answer? Do we think HE will appear in the physical form in our nature? No, HE will come in Spirit. HE will come as the Holy Spirit. And as HE said more than two thousand years ago, HE assures us today, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here!” We need discernment not to push the Holy Spirit away. We must ask for HIS courage.

Jesus called Peter out to the water. HE is calling many unto HIM today. HE is calling many of you even though you may be in the storms of life. Yes, the winds are strong and the waves are heavy. But will you step out in faith? We tell the Lord we will do anything for HIM. Many say they love HIM so much. Therefore, HE calls many unto HIM who have said they will go. As Peter stepped out on to the water, he received grace to walk on water. Many today have answered the call of Jesus and through HIS Grace have enter ministries or their calling. Many have enter into HIS other services. However, God continues to test HIS people. Those who belong to HIM will be tested. Peter felt the strong winds and heavy waves and he looked at the storm. Rather than staying focused on Jesus and staying in faith, Peter moved back into the flesh as he felt the strong winds and heavy waves. Many today had first stepped out in faith but due to the heavy tests and trials, they have returned operating by sight, estimating, and calculating through humanism. Rather than pleading and crying out to God trusting only in HIM, many end up begging to each other for help.

Why did Peter fall into the water? Were the winds too strong? Were the waves too heavy? Are our tests too hard? Are our trials too difficult? No, His Grace is sufficient! Peter fell into the water because he had doubted the Lord.

31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you DOUBT me?”

Many say they trust HIM. Many say they have faith in HIM. Many say they will do whatever HE ask. But in reality, many do and will doubt HIM when the storms become a little heavy. The Lord will allow the storms of your life to become more heavy and strong to test your hearts. Do you really believe in HIM or will you doubt HIM?

Grace and Mercy will always be there if we cry out to HIM. Peter shouted for help. But you must humble yourself and know you need HIM with all of your heart. A double mind and a divided heart will at the end ship wreck your faith. Many Christians must realize many of you are sinking because you are doubting HIM. We must realize that our necks are at the edge of the water where the waves are suffocating us and where we may be at our end. Only in such desperation will many truly humble themselves to cry out to HIM. Many blame the devil but the devil is not stronger than HE nor HIS sons and daughters for we have the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. The problem is the person looking in the mirror. Too many of HIS people are doubting HIM.

May you stay in prayer and in faith to know HE is coming. But you must all overcome and persevere until HIS Return. HE is coming for the overcomers. HE will not fail us but you must no longer doubt HIM. Ask for a spirit of repentance. We must return to HIM crying, praying, fasting, and with a serious surrendered heart that is no longer divided until all hindrances are removed and the fellowship restored. You must continue to seek, ask, and knock until HE answers you. HE is watching many of you to see if you really mean it this time.

Glory to HIM
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
Fremont CA USA