Doubt Pollutes Faith

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. (Matt. 14:29 KJV)

Many of us will immediately recognize the incident that happened with Peter above. Jesus was walking on the water and gave Peter the Word, “come.” Peter stepped out of the boat and moved towards Jesus. But this did not last long. Something very instructive for us happened.

The 30th verse says, “But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” (Matt. 14:30 NKJ.) Peter was on the water and then turned his head and saw the waves moving towards him. He was afraid and began to sink. Jesus pulled him out and asked, “Why did you doubt?”

If your faith will produce results, then you have to fully understand this truth about the operation of faith. Whenever you believe God’s Word, natural circumstances which are contrary to what you have believed will almost certainly come your way.

Peter saw the waves coming against him. The reason he feared was because he certainly knew the dangers of the waves of the sea and the potential for causing real harm. The same heart that believed God’s Word to “come” is now divided, with part of it trying to also believe that he can die from the waves. Peter’s heart was divided. This is what doubt is.

It is a necessity to be able to believe God and be able to stand in the face of contrary prevailing circumstances without changing your mind or heart. Many believers sadly abandon their faith in the slightest appearance of the contrary.

The fact that natural circumstances still look the same, or even grow worse, does not mean your faith did not work. Many believers abandon their faith at this junction. Stand fast, hold on to the Word, and you will overcome.