When we encourage others when encountering challenging situations to Trust in the Lord what are really saying? In Matthew 14:22-34 we read about the story of Jesus walking on water and Peter trying to emulate him. Unfortunately, Peter’s attempt to walk on water fails. I believe the key to Peter failing encompasses the meaning of placing our trust in the Lord.
I would argue that the circumstances that led up to Peter trying to walk on water planted the self-doubt in his mind. Jesus asked the disciples to go ahead of him in the boat while he dismissed the crowd. Jesus, then was unable to make it back to the boat and the disciples did not see him again until he was walking on the lake. At first, they thought they saw a ghost, but Jesus reassured them saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew:14-27) Peter responded taking a leap of faith by getting out of the boat and walking towards Jesus however, when the wind blew a gale he became afraid and started to sink. I would consider that when any semblance of trepidation enters our mind it prevents us from completely carrying out our objectives to our full capabilities. Hence, we are selling ourselves short and not backing ourselves in to achieve our goals the way that we would like to have initially.
Furthermore, I believe Trust in the Lord reveals itself in our relationship with other people. To accomplish what we need to do in our everyday lives we must rely on others to help and guide us along the way.I would deem that when we put ourselves in a situation we have no control over if uncertainty creeps in we lose focus and become compromised which usually ends up with us being unsuccessful. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew:14-30) In my life however with my family, good friends and work colleagues there is always someone willing to help. “Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew:14-31) Likewise, we can pray to God to overcome the challenges we face and trust that he can assist us through these times.
Moreover, by trusting in our own abilities and support from our family, friends and work colleagues I would argue that this manifest itself in us Trusting in the Lord. Additionally, the Lord has utilised our knowledge and skills and those of our family, friends and work colleagues to bring glory to his kingdom.
