Obedience Requires Faith

When Christ needed to spend some time in prayer and solitude, He “made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.” (Matthew 14.22) I doubt the disciples would have anticipated the challenge to their faith in Jesus Christ that was about to take place. The Gospel says, “But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.” (Matthew 14.24) The waves were so strong and the disciples were so afraid that when they saw Jesus coming to them, they thought it was a ghost and they “cried out for fear.” (Matthew 14.26)

Many times we find that being obedient to Jesus Christ comes with a challenge to our faith. And it sometimes brings a bit of fear that we will not survive the storm of life. It wouldn’t be faith if we knew without doubt in our own abilities. Ever since God’s created humanity He created us to be in a community as a help for each other, both physically and emotionally or spiritually. But just as in the Garden, humanity can fall away during faith challenges in a community just as easily as to remain faithful.

In the face of a great storm Saint Peter was able to walk on water because He had faith in Jesus Christ. As long as he remained focused upon Jesus Christ, he was safe. It was only when he took his eyes off of Christ that he began to sink crying out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14.30) The same hold true for us. We are a community, established by God more than 50 years ago to assist each other in our daily struggles and faith challenges. They won’t always be easy, but when we remain focused upon Jesus Christ, the storm will subside and we will find ourselves safe in His loving embrace.

Join Saint Peter today and take a leap of faith in Christ. It may be a bit scary, but in the end you will find yourself safe and sound in Christ’s loving arms.