By Jenna Ebener
A reflection
In Matthew 14, we hear about Peter’s experience walking on water. Peter initially shows great faith in Jesus by proclaiming, “‘Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water’” (Matthew 14:28). However, when the wind picks up, his faith seems to waver as fear takes over and Peter begins to sink. Jesus immediately saves Peter from sinking and admonishes him for having little faith and doubting in Jesus’ protection.
When I heard this story recently, I was struck by the thought that we are seeing two types of faith. We see Peter’s initial faith, his utter trust in God’s protection. Peter knew God could help him achieve the impossible act of walking on water. He knew God is all-powerful and all things are possible through faith in him.
I also think we see another side of faith. While Peter started to doubt in God’s ability to the do the unthinkable, I believe Peter still showed an unwavering faith in God’s protection. When he started to sink, Peter “cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Matthew 14:30). While Peter suddenly doubted the impossible act of walking on water, he still knew that God could protect him from drowning. He knew that God could and would rescue him from a scary fate. He still called out to God for help.
I believe Peter showed us two sides of faith. On the one side, the belief that God is always in us, and we are capable of performing feats that without faith we cannot hope to accomplish. On the other side, the belief that God will come to our aid when we are in need of his strength and power.
The first side is what Jesus desires of us. He wants that interconnection with us so that we do not even have to call out to Jesus for he is already working through us. The second side, I believe, is still an act of faith but one where Jesus is more like a friend who comes to us when we need him.
I know it is easier for me to call out to God when I need help. I know he will always come to my aid, even if his help looks different from what I hope for. I am also aware of God’s presence even during the mundane tasks of life. He is right there with me, guiding me in so many ways. He is always there, waiting to be seen and acknowledged.
God presents himself through my pets and other people, through nature, through stillness and through all of my senses. He guides my words, when I pause enough to feel his presence and he directs me on what to do with my life.
Because of my faith in God, I moved to Colorado to work at a school of which I knew very little, partnered with a facility dog and began a relationship that would have seemed far out of reach. The more I trust in God’s providence, the more the “impossible” happens.
Do you see God already working in you? Or do you see God as someone you need to call upon to receive help? Do you pursue tasks or ideas that others think are insurmountable? Do you follow God’s nudges without question? Do you come when he calls out to you from across a stormy sea?
Jesus is always within us. All we need to do is listen when he says, “Come” (Matthew 14:29).
(Jenna Ebener, a graduate of St. Ambrose University in Davenport, is a social worker at a school in Colorado for students with a combination of medical, cognitive and behavior disabilities. She relies on God every day to aid her on this wonderful, yet intense journey.)
