Peter’s Self-Exaltation and His Fall

Looking to Jesus, Peter walked securely; but as he glanced back toward his companions in the boat, his eyes were turned from the Savior. The waves rolled high and he was afraid. For a moment Christ was hidden from view, and his faith gave way. He began to sink. But while the waves talked with death, Peter lifted his eyes from the angry waters and cried, “Lord, save me!” Jesus grasped the outstretched hand, saying, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”HH 172.4

Walking side by side, Peter’s hand in his Master’s, they stepped into the boat together. Peter was now subdued and silent. Through unbelief and pride he had nearly lost his life.HH 172.5

When trouble comes, how often we look at the waves instead of keeping our eyes on the Savior! The proud waters go over our souls. Jesus does not call us to follow Him and then forsake us. “Fear not,” He says. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. ... I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3.HH 172.6

In this incident on the sea, Jesus wanted to reveal to Peter that his only safety was in constantly depending on divine power. Amid the storms of temptation, he could walk safely only as he relied on the Savior. Where he thought himself strong, Peter was weak. If he had learned the lesson in that experience on the lake, he would not have failed when the great test came upon him.HH 172.7

Day by day God instructs His children. By the circumstances of daily life, He is preparing them to act their part on that wider stage to which His wisdom has appointed them. We may now think that our feet stand secure, and that we will never be moved. We may say with confidence, “Nothing can shake my faith in God and in His Word.” But Satan is planning to take advantage of our hereditary and cultivated defects. We can only walk securely by realizing our own weakness and looking steadily to Jesus.HH 172.8

No sooner had Jesus taken His place in the boat than the wind ceased, “and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.” The disciples and others on board bowed at the feet of Jesus with thankful hearts, saying “Truly You are the Son of God”!HH 172.9