Devotion: Do you have a little faith or no faith at all?

Matthew 14:30-31

30 But when he saw [the effects of] the wind, he was frightened, and he began to sink, and he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus extended His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you [c]doubt?”

Many times when we talk or hear a sermon on these scriptures, we emphasize the fact that Peter lost his focus and instead of focusing on Jesus he shifted and focused on the waves and thus he started sinking. Rightly so, but what about the 11 disciples who never got to experience what Peter did even if it was a few moments? Peter may have had little faith but the 11 stuck in the boat had no faith that is why they stayed in the boat.

The scenario was set for all 12 to jump out of the boat in faith and walk on the water but only one dared to do so. Can you imagine how different this story would have been if they all jumped to the water and started walking? It is Interesting that many would focus on the fact that Peter started to sink, and not the fact that he walked on water, even if it was only for a short while.

That is the scenario in our Churches today. Jesus speaks but very few hear and respond to his call. Many of us are too busy making noise about the storms in our life our ears are not tuned to hear His call. The few that do amaze us and when we see the results of their obedience we think God favors them over us. If we are to go with the number of disciples in the boat and the one that responded, that is an 8% response rate, not very encouraging and we wonder why we do not experience the power of God in our life.

Hebrews 11:6 (AMP)

6 But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.

God is looking for faith, His presence and power are attracted to and activated by faith and without it you cannot please Him. Peter had a little faith and with that little faith he was able to walk on the water because remember when you have faith as small a a mustard seed you can move a mountain. Peter moved a mountain with his little faith even if it was for a little while.

The 11 in the boat only had a story to tell, they all had the opportunity but only one jumped out to it in faith. Do you have a little faith or no faith at all?

By Pastor James Martin Okumu/Jam 316 Radio