Oh you of little faith,” Jesus said to Peter in Matthew 14:31.
I get it. The guy was sinking. His succumbing to the waves, we’re explicitly told, is because he doubted. So yes, his failing faith left him flailing in the moment.
But before that?
Peter got out of the boat.
“Jesus,” I want to challenge, “doesn’t that count for something?”
It would make sense in my mind if Jesus called Peter’s faith “promising.” I’d like for Peter to have gotten some credit, a pat on the back, and another shot. Or at least the encouragement, “solid starter.”
But this isn’t the only time in Scripture God highlights the importance of finishing in the faith.
Thankfully, His Word offers all we need for godly living. With this sort of (sometimes frustrating) correction, He also offers helpful instruction on how to have lasting faith.
- Don’t finish in the flesh- stick with the Spirit
“After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” –Gal 3:3
After posing this question, Paul goes on to talk about the means of the Spirit. He highlights that through the Spirit:
- We are freed from trying to keep the law to please God so we can please Him by believing Him
- We trust God and act according to His promises
- We live as children of God, clothed in Christ
- We don’t have to justify ourselves, Christ is our righteousness
- Ask God for help in unbelief
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” –Mark 9:24
Instead of crying out that he was drowning and needed saving, Peter could have said “help me overcome my unbelief!” We have that option, too.
Like the honest Dad trying to do right by his suffering son, sometimes persevering in faith means admitting our lack thereof. God is faithful to help!
- Keep your eyes on the real prize- Jesus
“Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ.” –Ph 3:14
Why do we have faith? Jesus. Who do we have faith in? Jesus. What does our faith believe? Jesus- crucified, risen, and eagerly awaiting us in eternity. He is our portion and our prize- plus our strength for persevering in the faith.
Faith lasts when we know that it is finished, and rely on Christ to help us persevere!
(A version of this post was previously published here)
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Bethany, this is a wonderful message. And all your points are practical things to apply in our spiritual walk. I’ve always liked Galatians 3:3, really the whole chapter and book. 🙂 Paul spends so much time in this letter encouraging us to walk in the Spirit and stay in the Spirit and “finish in the Spirit” as you note. But I also love how Jesus is the real prize!
Galatians is a wonderful letter, I need to spend more time studying it, especially wen I’m struggling to persevere! Thanks for joining in, Karen!
Great post! It makes perfect sense to me that Peter would have started out strong and then sunk. I get into the middle of an assistant and start thinking, “What am I doing here….?”
Then, down I go!
It makes sense to me too, Michele! So grateful He enables us to continue (just like He did with Peter ultimately!)
Bethany, oh, the importance of finishing in faith. I pray that I will. Great post!
Thanks, Debbie! I pray that I will too!
Bethany, such a good post and confirms what I have been reading this morning. I love when God works this way! When we feel ourselves wavering or doubting, may we quickly come before the Lord and ask for help to overcome doubt. It is the action we must take to continue in our faith and finish well.
Thanks, Joanne! I love when God works that way too!! Yes, let’s turn to him to persevere!
It’s vital to continue in faith. I think we can all identify with Peter–starting strong but then looking at the problem instead of Christ, then sinking. I love this: “Faith lasts when we know that it is finished, and rely on Christ to help us persevere.” I am so thankful that there’s nothing we do to complete our faith–it’s finished in Him. And it’s outworking is in Him. But as much as I know that, I need frequent reminders of it. So thank you for that!
So grateful with you that He has finished it for us and will bring us to completion! I identify with faltering mid-way through like Peter too. Praise God he enables us to persevere! Thanks for joining in, Barbara!
Thanks for the encouragement to persevere!
Thanks for joining in, Lauren!
I think at one time or another, or even many times we can relate to Peter. This speaks volumes > “Why do we have faith? Jesus. Who do we have faith in? Jesus. What does our faith believe? Jesus- crucified, risen, and eagerly awaiting us in eternity. He is our portion and our prize- plus our strength for persevering in the faith.” Amen to that. I so appreciated your message here. Thank you.
The principles you talk about here are so important and in a way counterintuitive. We get so focused on “doing” when we need to rest in His finished work on our behalf.
Love this encouragement to finish in the faith, Bethany. I’ve been reading about the kings of ancient Israel and Judah lately, and it always makes me sad to read of the ones who served God faithfully for a good part of their lives but went astray at the end. I’m glad Jesus provides the strength we need to persevere in our walk with Him.