But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus." Matthew 14: 27-29
In Matthew 14, we read the account of the disciples out in their boat late at night in the middle of a storm. At some point, Jesus goes walking out to them on water, but instead of being comforted, they are all terrified. Jesus calls out to them to reassure them, but Peter, somewhat doubtful, responds to Jesus with an “If it is you…” request. And Jesus calls Peter to come to Him out on the water. Peter’s doubts fall away! With his eyes fixed on Jesus, Peter stepped out of the boat and supernaturally walked on water in the middle of a storm.
“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Matthew 14:30
Everything was good until Peter became distracted. He stopped looking at Jesus and began to focus on the storm. Amidst the wind and the waves, Peter’s doubts resurfaced and overcame him; He looked away from Jesus and began to sink! With his attention diverted from Jesus, Peter could no longer walk supernaturally but only sink as any person would do.
Peter believed in the power of Jesus, initially. In faith, Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on top of the water, but then he doubted Jesus’ ability to keep him afloat, and down Peter went.
The good news is that Jesus did not abandon Peter in his time of need. Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” and Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31