Consider the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:22-33. It’s nighttime, and the disciples are in a boat, battling a storm. Suddenly, they see Jesus walking toward them on the water. Initially terrified, they soon realize it’s Jesus. Peter, full of faith, asks, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.”
Jesus simply says, “Come.”
Peter steps out of the boat and starts walking on the water towards Jesus. Imagine the exhilaration! But then, he notices the wind and waves, fear creeps in, and he begins to sink. “Lord, save me!” he cries. Jesus immediately reaches out His hand and catches Peter. “You of little faith,” He says, “why did you doubt?”
Peter left his comfort zone, in faith. Out of the twelve disciples, the 120 followers, and the thousands who believed in Jesus, only Peter ever walked on water. William Carey once said, “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” If you expect great things, then you must not let fear stop you from attempting them.
Peter took a step of faith but then let fear creep in.
The Battle Between Faith and Fear
Every decision in life often boils down to a choice between faith and fear. When we take a step of faith, fear is usually lurking close behind. When we allow faith to lead, fear trails along reluctantly. However, when fear takes the lead, faith gets dragged backward.
Fear can back us into a corner, making us hesitant to move forward. If you're facing a delicate situation right now, let me encourage you: both fear and faith ask the same question. Fear asks you to dread something that hasn’t happened yet, assuming it will harm you. Faith, on the other hand, asks you to trust in something that hasn’t happened yet, assuming it will be for your good. Where you lean as a believer depends on how much you value God and His word. This is where Proverbs 3:5-6 comes into play: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.”
So, which will you choose: faith or fear? The one you choose will dominate. If it’s fear, it will push you back, preventing you from doing what God wants. You'll miss out on the experience of a lifetime. If it’s faith, it will propel you forward boldly to fulfill His calling.
Biblical Examples of Faith
The Bible is full of stories where faith led to miraculous outcomes. Remember the Hebrew boys in Daniel 3? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the golden image King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. They were thrown into a blazing furnace, yet they stood firm in their faith. Astonishingly, they emerged unscathed, with not even a hair on their heads singed. Their faith transformed a death sentence into a powerful testament to God’s deliverance.
Or consider the woman with the issue of blood in Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8:43-48. For twelve years, she suffered and spent all she had on doctors, but nothing worked. Desperate and defying social norms, she pushed through the crowd to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. Instantly, she was healed. Jesus turned to her and said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
Another remarkable story is the widow with the little jar of oil in 1 Kings 17:8-16. During a severe drought, she was preparing her last meal for herself and her son when the prophet Elijah asked her for bread. Despite her dire situation, she obeyed God’s word through Elijah. Miraculously, her jar of flour and jug of oil never ran dry throughout the drought.
Every story of faith in the Bible is followed by a miracle. Even if the miracles are not always physical, there’s always a spiritual or internal transformation that takes place.
The day you begin to rely on the Word of God is the day you open doors for unstoppable, supernatural miracles. Be brave and confident because of who you belong to. Your blessings are not defined by material wealth but by your relationship with Jesus. Though you may lose some battles, you must know that the war is already won.
Embracing Failure with Faith
You don’t have to fear failure! If you must fail, fail forward. Fail while holding onto God’s promises.
Fail in faith, not in fear!
Experiencing failure is not inherently negative; it’s an essential part of the journey to true success. Joseph famously told his brothers in Genesis 50:20 that what they intended for evil, God used for good.
Fail forward with God because He is the one who will lift you up. When people lift you up, they may first condemn you. The woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11 is a prime example. The Pharisees wanted to stone her, but Jesus forgave her and told her to sin no more.
When God picks you up, He dusts you off, gives you a hug, and helps you learn to be better next time. The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 beautifully illustrates this. The father didn’t condemn his returning son; he celebrated him.
God never fails, so failing with Him is a mindset, not a literal fall. It means that when your strength fails, God is there to support you. Like Peter, when you reach your limit, call on God to lead you to victory. If you must fail, do so while moving forward with God. Don't let fear stop you from experiencing all that He has for you!
Struggles draw us closer to God more than peaceful times ever can. Challenges strengthen and sharpen us, serving as tools to bring us nearer to Him. So, keep taking bold steps of faith, remembering that "everything works together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28).
REFERENCES: Matthew 14:22-33 - Peter walking on water | Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart…" | Daniel 3 - The Hebrew boys (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) in the furnace | Matthew 9:20-22 - The woman with the issue of blood | Mark 5:25-34 - The woman with the issue of blood | Luke 8:43-48 - The woman with the issue of blood | 1 Kings 17:8-16 - The widow with the little jar of oil | Acts 4:1-22 - Peter and John’s bold proclamation and miraculous release | Romans 8:28 - "Everything works together for good to those who love God." | Genesis 50:20 - Joseph telling his brothers what they intended for evil, God used for good | John 8:1-11 - The woman caught in adultery | Luke 15:11-32 - The Prodigal Son