Permission to DoubtSýnishorn

Accusation or Invitation?

Peter, a fisherman and experienced boatman, was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. Peter definitely went through his fair share of awkward, disappointing times of doubt and darkness.

One time right after Jesus had miraculously fed a crowd of over 5,000 men with just five loaves of bread and two fish, He went up a mountainside to pray and sent His disciples, including Peter, ahead of Him across the lake. While they were on the boat without Jesus, they were hit by a raging storm. Near daybreak, Jesus left the shore and began to walk toward them on the choppy water. The disciples thought He was a ghost, but Jesus immediately told them not to be afraid. Peter bravely challenged Jesus:

“Lord, if it’s you … tell me to come to you on the water.” Matthew 14:28 NIV

Jesus told him to come, and Peter began to walk toward Jesus—surrounded by the wind and waves. He was doing fine for a moment, but then he became frightened as his attention shifted back to the storm around him, and he began to sink.

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31 NIV

When we read Jesus’ response to Peter’s fear and doubt, our first thought may be to hear it as an accusation. It’s understandable to imagine Jesus’ tone as disappointed, annoyed, or frustrated as He rescues Peter, given the recent display of His power.

But another way to understand Jesus’ response is as a compassionate invitation. What if, instead of condemning Peter, Jesus was actually inviting him to admit his doubts and fears and process them together, so that Peter’s faith in Jesus could grow?

Only hours before, Peter had witnessed Jesus feed a crowd of thousands with a small serving of food, so why would Peter have doubted Jesus’ power to keep him afloat? And yet how often have we been like Peter—witnessing the amazing work of God, only to be subsequently filled with doubts and questions?

Peter’s doubt surfaced when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused instead on the legitimately scary circumstances. Sometimes we don’t even know why we have some of the doubts we have. But we do know that Jesus wants us to share them with Him. He’s not angry or disappointed that we have doubts. Instead, He’s inviting us to share all of them with Him. He’s ready to reach out His hand and catch us as He caught Peter and pulled him safely out of the water—and He’s ready to talk through our doubts with us.

We have a God who loves us so much—He doesn’t want us to drown. Sometimes, we just need to start by expressing our doubts, and asking Him for help.

Pray: God, sometimes it can feel like my doubts and questions are disappointing to You. When I’m drowning in a storm of uncertainty, thank You that You’re inviting me to bring my questions to You. I trust that You’re with me, even when I don’t understand. In Jesus’ name, amen.