The Apostle Matthew tells the story of Jesus walking out to his disciples as they sailed in the Sea of Galilee in the midst of a terrible storm. At first, everyone was terrified because they thought Jesus was a ghost. But Peter recognized him and said, “If it’s you, Jesus, ask me to come to you.” Jesus said, “Come,” and Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water.
But the second Peter took his eyes off Jesus, distracted by the waves crashing around him, he started to sink. I’ve often heard people say that Peter lost faith in Jesus. I don’t think that’s exactly right. Peter wasn’t full of concern, for instance, that Jesus would sink. He still believed in Jesus; he simply had lost faith in Jesus’ ability to hold him up.
Like Peter, I’m not usually tempted to doubt God directly. What I doubt is his ability to use me to do great things. I know God is still all-powerful and all-loving. But will he be those things here, now, in this context? That’s what gets us doubting.
So I find it encouraging that Jesus tells his disciples—those whom society would have picked last—that they were chosen to bear fruit that abides. In fact, he even goes so far as to say that “whatever they asked” in his name, he would give it to them. He says that by this, the Father is glorified (John 15:8, 16). In other words, not only do the disciples have reason to be confident in Jesus; they also have reason to be confident in Jesus working through them. Which is a pretty stunning reality, considering how unlikely they were to be disciples at all. But that’s how it is with God: He uses the weakest saints for his powerful ministry.
Jesus says that even when we don’t choose him, he chooses us. When he chooses us—the misfits, the dropouts, the outcasts—he fully knows we can’t keep our end of the promise; he fully knows he can. So even when we’re weak and sick and poor, we can change the world because Christ’s power is accessible to us through the Holy Spirit. We ask, and he answers. And because we’re so weak, he gets all the glory.
God is inviting us into his work, to partner with him, not do the work for him. John 15:15 says he calls us friends, not servants, because servants don’t know what their master is doing. Jesus makes known to his disciples what he wants to do in the world, not necessarily because he needs us, but because he wants to use us, his willing vessels.
So when Jesus calls you to step out in faith for him, you have no reason to doubt. Jesus didn’t call Peter because Peter was made of the right stuff. He didn’t call you because you were made of the right stuff. He called Peter and you and me because he has everything we need. And he promises to equip us, every step of the way.
