So I've been thinking a lot about doubt in Christian faith lately. Actually I think about it a lot all the time. Today I was doing a Bible study that pointed me to Matthew 14:28-31, when Christ calls to Peter to walk to him across the water and Peter does, but then, seeing the waves, begins to sink.
When I read this earlier in my life, I saw Christ's response, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" as a severe chastisement, or worse, a condemnation. How could you not have known better? Haven't you figured it out by now? What do I have to do to get through to you? Peter doubted. Peter sank.
But that's the thing. Peter didn't sink.
"... beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him ..." As soon as Peter cried out for help - immediately -Christ saved him from the waves and took him safely to the boat. Sure, he might have been disappointed. He might have been upset. He also might have been laughing. I don't know. I just know he saved him.
And Peter's doubt didn't end there, so it wasn't doubt Christ saved him from, it was peril. In spite of his doubt, Christ returned to Peter again and again in the gospels to encourage him, guide him, and use him. I think I can take solace and even joy from that.
