Article September 29, 1956 Issue

"WHEREFORE DIDST THOU DOUBT?"

ANNA BOHN

In Matthew the beautiful incident of Jesus walking on the water is recorded. Here we read that when the disciples knew it was Jesus, Peter called out (14:28), "Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water." The record goes on: "And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"

Peter's experience was new to him—a new undertaking. We have no record of his having walked on the water before. As long as he looked on Jesus he felt safe, but when he looked away and saw the water, wind, and waves, he started to sink.

This happened centuries ago, yet the lesson it teaches is practical today. When anticipation and expectation fill us with new hope, we are often like Peter. As we stand on the threshold of a new undertaking or a new venture which will mean progress and a greater sense of freedom, we are sometimes afraid. The undertaking may be enlarging one's business or starting a new activity, leaving one's parent's home to establish a home of one's own, or re-establishing oneself after losing a loved one.

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