The stories from our sacred scriptures we study in Sunday worship provide a surplus of meaning. There are always ideas and insights yet to be explored. For instance, this past Sunday we looked at the story of Jesus walking on the water in order to come to the aid of the disciples who were facing stormy conditions. You can read this mysterious and astonishing account in 

Matthew 14:22-33.

One of the disciples, named Peter, asks to come out on the water with Jesus. Peter reveals trust and courage as he takes a few steps with his eyes fixed on his Leader. Then, he notices the wind and the waves. His focus shifts from trust and boldness in Christ to the absurdity and danger of what he is doing. Peter begins to falter and sink. He cries out for Jesus to save him. You will likely not be surprised that Jesus takes Peter by the hand immediately and safely returns him to the boat. Once aboard with the other disciples, Jesus says, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

This sounds like a criticism, doesn't it? I do not think it is, I think it is a statement of reality. Thankfully, possession of a great faith is not the defining quality of discipleship. In fact, in Matthew 17:20, Jesus affirms the power of a little faith. He insists that: "if you have faith the size of a mustard seed...nothing will be impossible for you." Jesus affirms that Peter has a little faith and that is sufficient. Nor is Jesus question meant to belittle Peter. Jesus does not ask, why did you think you could walk on water? No, Jesus asks, why did you doubt you could walk on water? Do you hear that important difference? What Jesus asks, opens-up the possibilities for Peter to be bold and put his little faith to work in surprising ways. When Peter steps out in faith he needs to keep his focus on Jesus and ignore the fear and any naysayers. If he can do that, "nothing will be impossible."

This is a challenging scene in the story, isn't it? After all, like Peter, we have a little faith. That little faith is sufficient. Too often we use our little faith as an excuse to stay in the boat, so to speak, to play it safe. When the truth about little faith is that it can lead to all sorts of unexpected and astonishing possibilities of receiving and sharing the love of Christ. We can learn, grow and change. We can be part of the solutions to tough problems. We can be bold and challenge the injustices that hold others back. We can trust in God's abundance and be liberated from a false narrative of scarcity and competition that pits us against one another. We can be generous and joyful in the midst of adversity.

Let's celebrate and nurture our little faith and let's boldly step out of the boat with our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Enjoy the adventure,

Pastor Marc