You Don't have much Faith (a fun reality to wake up to!)

I worry about what other people think of me. I want others to look up to me. I want to be seen as "A Woman of Faith" (noble, right?). Matthew 14:22ff tells the famous story of Jesus and Peter walking on water. After Peter fails (At least he tries! I'm looking at you, other 11 disciples), Jesus reaches to save him and says, "You don't have much faith. Why did you doubt me?" (NLT). This statement crushed me. Words that cut through to the heart of who I am destroy me when they're not positive. As I read these words today, I felt for Peter. I would have been destroyed to hear Jesus say this to me. Yet, I know true freedom exists where we're known. Jesus clearly knows Peter for the man he is and not the man he wants everyone to see. And He saved Him. In the midst of his failure, He saved Peter.

Yesterday, I prayed about a possible love interest in my life (they do come up occasionally). I prayed, "God, Help ME to know how to proceed with this friendship." A fine prayer but I was giving myself way too much credit. So, instead I prayed, "Lord, I mess up my relationships. I pray for your guidance and your complete control. I confess that I will mess this up. And I pray that you will save me from my own failure, doubt, and sin. I want to walk in this friendship as I want to walk in all my life. At your side, in your shadow, and under your wing." God knows I will fail. God knows He will save me. And there is freedom there-not condemnation. May we live in light of who we truly are and not how we want others to see us. And may our faith be increased because we walk in this truth.