Seeing is believing

How many things must we witness before we believe?

“And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” – Matthew 14:32-33 NIV

Reflection

These verses from Matthew tell us quite a bit about the people in that boat. If you read the full chapter, you get even more context.

A group of men are out on the water and the conditions are rough. Then they see something they can’t explain. A figure walking toward them across the water. That alone would be enough to shake anyone.

The figure calls out to them, telling them not to be afraid. One of them responds. He asks for confirmation, gets it, and steps out. For a moment, he actually does what shouldn’t be possible. But then reality hits him. He notices the wind, the waves, and everything around him. And just like that, fear takes over.

Sound familiar?

There are seasons in life where things don’t feel steady. Maybe you’ve had a few of those. Maybe you’re in one now. When things start shifting, when control slips a bit, where do you go? Who do you turn to?

He panics, and immediately cries out to be saved. And he is.

Back in the boat, the tension had to be real. The wind, the waves, the fear of what they couldn’t control. Then something even more unsettling, and maybe more powerful, unfolds right in front of them. They watch one man walk on water, lose his footing, and then be pulled back up. They see calm come where there was chaos.

And in that moment, belief settles in.

Have you noticed how that works in your own life? When you spend time with God, things quiet down. The noise fades a bit. Your thoughts settle. The weight you were carrying doesn’t feel quite as heavy.

Then you step back into the world and it all ramps up again. The noise, the pressure, the tension. Until you come back again and things settle once more.

Those men needed to see it happen right in front of them. Everything Jesus had done before wasn’t quite enough.

But this moment brought clarity.

So what about us?

What more do we need to see?

You may not step out onto water, but you know what it feels like to be overwhelmed. You know what it feels like to need help, to need steadiness, to need someone beside you. Someone who can carry what you can’t.

If you want to see what God has done, you don’t have to look very far. Look in the mirror. You are here. You are alive. You are a creation of His.

He made you. He placed you where you are. And He walks with you whether you acknowledge it or not.

Maybe we don’t need more proof.

Maybe we need to trust what’s already been shown.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for this moment between Peter and Jesus. Thank you for the reminder of how quickly we can shift from faith to fear. Forgive us when we lose focus and let the noise of the world take over. Help us to trust you more, to stay with you longer, and to surrender the parts of our lives we still try to control. Walk with us, steady us, and remind us that you are always there when we reach out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.