“Oh you of little faith,” Jesus said.
I get it. The guy was sinking. His succumbing to the waves, we’re explicitly told, is because he doubted. So yes, his failing faith left him flailing in the moment.
But before that?
Peter got out of the boat.
“Jesus,” I want to challenge, “doesn’t that count for something?”
It would make sense in my mind if Jesus called Peter’s faith promising. I’d like for Peter to have gotten some credit, a pat on the back, and another shot. Or at least the label, “solid starter.”
But this isn’t the only time in Scripture God highlights the importance of finishing in the faith.
Thankfully, His Word offers all we need for godly living. With this sort of (sometimes frustrating) correction, He also offers helpful instruction.
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Don’t finish in the flesh- stick with the Spirit
“After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” –Gal 3:3
After posing this question, Paul goes on to talk about the means of the Spirit. He highlights that through the Spirit:
- We are freed from trying to keep the law to please God so we can please Him be believing Him
- We trust God and act according to His promises
- We live as children of God, clothed in Christ
- We don’t have to justify ourselves, Christ is our righteousness
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Ask God for help in your unbelief
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” –Mark 9:24
Instead of crying out that he was drowning and needed saving, Peter could have said “help me overcome my unbelief!” We have that option, too.
Like the honest Dad trying to do right by his suffering son, sometimes persevering in faith means admitting our lack thereof. God is faithful to help!
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Keep your eyes on the real prize- Jesus
“Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ.” –Ph 3:14
Why do we have faith? Jesus. Who do we have faith in? Jesus. What does our faith believe? Jesus- crucified, risen, and eagerly awaiting us in eternity. He is our portion and our prize- plus our strength for persevering in the faith.
Faith lasts when we know that it is finished, and our finish brings us to Christ! Share on XThis post may also be shared on: #MomentsofHope, #DreamTogetherLinkup, #TestimonyTuesday, #RaRaLinkup, #TeaAndWord, #TellHisStory, #RechargeWednesday, #Thought-Provoking Thursday, #Heart Encouragement, #LiveFreeThursday, #DanceWithJesus, #LLMLinkup, Faith-Filled Friday, Sitting Among Friends, Fresh Market Friday, and #SoulSurvivalLinkup.
Oh Bethany, this post spoke to my heart! Yes, we need to finish the faith. It’s easy to be brave and step out of the boat, but it’s in the clinging to Jesus in the storms, or asking for His sustaining help in storms, that we grow closer to Him and grow in faith.
Loved this post!
Jeanne, I’m so thankful this spoke to you too! I’m with you- the exhilarating parts of faith can be easier than the long haul, especially when persevering is hard. So thankful He is our sustainer!
I’m always impressed that Peter had the faith to step out of the boat- I’m not sure I would! But it’s true that we need to finish well too. It’s not just about those moments of courage but keeping going through the ups and downs.
Lesley, same!! I’m not sure I would have stepped out, but I think even the invitation would be exhilarating! I think it takes courage to keep going when that exciting part wears off. You’re so right!
Good word, Bethany. I love that story of Peter and I’ve studied and taught several messages about Galatians…especially Galatians 3:3. It’s crazy, but we do it too. We start out on the Christian journey leaning on the Holy Spirit and trying to put off our flesh and desires, then teeter back to the flesh and works and so on.
Thank you, Karen! I love this story and passage too. I remember the first time Galatians 3:3 caught my attention- so convicting. We really do fall back on our flesh often.
Bethany, I’m not sure I gave much thought to Gal. 3:3 … you’ve got my attention on it now, though! I don’t want to be a strong starter who fizzles out, which leads me straight to your second point (a frequent prayer of mine these days). Wonderful post!
I’m sure I read it many times before the verse really caught my attention, Lois. Wow was it convicting in that particular moment because I tend to be a strong starter (once I get started haha) but how very patient God usually has to be with me when it comes to finishing anything in faith! Thanks, Lois! Praying with you!