Faith in Jesus makes up the Mechanics of Life.
The disciples were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s Me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter said, “Master, if it’s really You, call me to come to You on the water.” He said, “Come.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand.” (Matthew 14:25-31)
Peter was a crazy one. He saw things differently. He jumped out of the boat and walked on water. He experienced the supernatural! BUT, he failed! Like an undertow fear sunk him! Imagine the thoughts of the eleven, the normal ones in the boat!
This would not be the only time Peter’s faith failed. Fast forward a few months. It’s Thursday evening. The Last Supper is finished. Before departing for Gethsemane “Jesus said to Peter, ‘I tell you that before the rooster crows tonight, you will deny Me three times.’ Peter answered, ‘I will never say that, even if I have to die with You!’” You probably know “The Rest of the Story”!
Reverse the recording: “Jesus asked, ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered; ‘You are the Son of the living God.’ ‘Good for you!’ answered Jesus. ‘This truth was given to you directly by My Father in heaven. Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build My church’.” Jesus was going to build His enterprise on a person that failed! This makes no sense at all unless: “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God.”
Michael Jordan, noted as the greatest basketball player of all time, said: “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. I can accept failure. But I can’t accept not trying.” “The price of inaction is far greater than the cost of making a mistake.” (Meister Eckhart)
Yes, in this world faith and failure go together like “peas and carrots!” “Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement.” (C.S. Lewis)
Check back next Friday as we continue our Faith on Fridays series.