Mt 14:23-33 - And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
This passage so clearly and graphically details both how the fear of things destroys us and the fear of God builds us up. The disciples feared what they thought was a ghost and Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.” Than Peter not only isn’t afraid, but walks on water. But, he sees the wind, and becomes afraid and Jesus rebukes, “Why did you doubt?” And when Jesus got back in the boat, and the wind ceased, the fear of Jesus fell upon the people. This passage shows both the heights we can soar with a proper fear of God and how desperate we can become when we fear anything but God. This should encourage us to no end that if we keep our eye on God, we will by faith be able to conquer things that are impossible, fears that are rational and hearts that are impassable. Our God who is control of everything is also our Father. But, we need to, to by fear, step out of the boat and come to him, keeping our eyes on Him, only. "Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid."
