Fear is an interesting emotion. It’s not something we are born with, it’s something that emerges from life experiences. Think about a small child. From the time they tell an adult “NO”, to the times they exercise their independence and take their tricycle on a quest around the block. They do not show fear. Unfortunately, it’s something we learn. As we live life, fear develops in us; fear of spiders, darkness, water, anything that reminds us of bad experiences or even someone else’s bad experience.
Kept in it’s proper place, a little fear can be a good thing. It can discourage us from situations that might harm us. However, too often, we let fear control our thoughts and actions. We are afraid and our every action is a result of that fear. Our response to the recent Covid-19 pandemic is a great example. Under normal circumstances, we would never purchase massive amounts of toilet paper, bottled water, and hand sanitizer. But under the influence of fear, our reactions to difficult situations, go way beyond the norm.
Faith is something we are born with. As little children we believe the best in everyone. In the same way that life experiences effect our fears, they also effect our faith. When prayers are answered, faith increases. When we see God move, our faith grows. While fear locks us in bondage, faith frees us to what seems impossible.
Peter experienced that in Matthew 14:22-32.
The disciples found themselves out on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus came to them walking on the water. The disciples were doubtful it was really Jesus, but Peter called out and said, “if it is you Lord, tell me to come to you”.
For Peter, this was a moment of great faith. He knew that Jesus’ power would allow him to do the impossible – walk on water. At Jesus’ invitation, Peter climbed out of the boat and started walking on the water towards Jesus.
What was a moment of great faith, became an example of how fast fear can erode our faith.
Peter was a fisherman. He grew up on the Sea of Galilee and knew the risks and dangers associated with the water. As he made his way towards Jesus, he felt the power of the wind blowing his clothing. He felt the cold splash of the water on his face and hands. He saw the surge of the waves that were being pushed along by the wind. As he took in his surroundings, he took his eyes off of Jesus and started to sink.
For the past 5 weeks, the world has been reeling with the news and impact of Covid-19. The threat of this disease is as real as the wind and waves Peter experienced all of those years ago. Businesses are shuttered. Schools have been closed. Church gatherings have been banned. Workers have been sent home. We are experiencing things that this generation has never seen before and fear has taken hold.
The spirit of fear is so heavy you can feel it when you go to the grocery store. You hear it in the voices of the news people. You see it in the faces of the health care workers. It can overwhelm you as you see worldwide impact of this disease in the daily updates. The constant reports can lead to hopelessness. Today, I would be there too, but God….. You see, Peter forgot that Jesus controlled the wind and the waves. He forgot that Jesus was the reason he could walk on the water. He forgot that the control was never his. He forgot to keep his eyes on Jesus.
Because of our faith, we who believe are still willing to get out of the safety of the boat. We are still willing to talk to our neighbors.We are still able to encourage our family and friends. We know who is in control, we know who holds all of our tomorrows, and we know that like Peter, if we take our eyes off of God, we will sink like a rock.Isaiah 26:3 reminds me of that promise.“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust you.”
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