The difference between Abraham and Peter

“[Peter] saw…the waves…and began to sink.” Matthew 14:30 NLT

When Peter stepped out of the boat at the command of Jesus, he was doing something he had never done before, something miraculous – walking on water. As long as he remained in faith, he was successful, but when fear gripped his heart, he began to sink. The Bible says, “When he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him” (vv. 30-31 NLT). Peter’s mistake was that he became preoccupied with the storm. When he focused on the circumstances around him rather than on the Saviour close to him, he lost his faith and began to doubt. Abraham faced a different but equally difficult set of circumstances: fathering a son when he was almost 100 years old. But the Bible says, “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God” (Romans 4:20 NLT). Abraham was aware of his situation, but unlike Peter, he was not preoccupied with it. It was his determined and focused faith that propelled him forward to success. And you can learn from Peter’s mistake and Abraham’s example. You can be aware of your circumstances, but not preoccupied with them. You can purposely keep your mind on Jesus, trusting in faith that He will provide the miracle you need. So the word for you today is – keep your eyes on Jesus, stay focused on what He has promised you in His Word, keep walking by faith, and you will get to where you need to be.

The Word for You Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from Celebration Enterprises, Inc. Copyright © 2024