Today’s verse speaks about letting doubt win. Matthew 14:31 says: “Jesus immediately stretched out His hand and lifted him up and said, ‘What little faith you have! Why would you let doubt win?’” (TPT). This response was directed to Peter who walked on water until he saw the strength of the wind and was afraid. He asked Jesus to command him to walk to Him on the water. He walked out on the water, something we certainly cannot claim we have ever done. Then, as Jesus noted, he let doubt win. He focused on the power of the wind and began to sink. He cried out for Jesus to save him, and Jesus did just that.
Another way we read this question posed by Jesus is “why did you doubt?” or “why did you waver?” The Message translation is straight to the point — “What got into you?” This is a question we must ask ourselves over and over again, because we also let doubt win. Though our God is faithful, we oftentimes do not trust Him completely. We trust God with some things. We trust God with some situations. We trust God when we think He will act as we desire. We give Him so much but hold back the rest. We even pray and give Him our fears, our troubles, our struggles, our concerns, etc., and then we take them away moments later as we let worry get the best of us.
Since we have the ability to let doubt win, it means that we have control. We can let doubt win or we can have faith. We are able to cling to truth, to promises, to what God says and to who He is, and hold onto this with trust, with faith that He is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. We have seen this in action. When ten spies were too afraid to enter the Promised Land, two men stood up and trusted God (Numbers 13).
So how can faith win? How can we make sure we are not letting ourselves sink with doubt? We must watch our focus. Focus is so important in life. Philippians 4:8 says: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (ESV). Colossians 3:2 says: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (ESV). Watching our focus is easier said than done of course. Every second of every day, we have the option to see and hear that which is true, that which is going to build up, that which is going to strengthen and equip, that which is honorable and pure. At the same time, we have the opportunity to look at and hear that which will cast doubt, that which will cause you to question what God says and who God is, and everything else for that matter.
Today, be intentional with your focus. If you are hearing something that is pulling you away from the truth of God, change your direction. Listen to the truth of God — in His Word, via His people, through worship music, etc. God does not change (Numbers 23:19). His Truth does not change. Remind yourself of what God has already done in your life. Satan posed the question “did God really say?” long ago and he continues to challenge us with this question as well. Make sure you continue to take in what God says. Make sure you are equipped with His Truth so you can knock down any lies that Satan tries to sneak into your life. If you find yourself sinking, be still. Look to Him. Call out to Him. Let Him speak His Truth, His Peace, His Love over your life.
Tania Gutekunst 