The Bible says everyone who call on the name of the Lord won’t be put to shame (Romans 10:11). We often associate this with salvation, and rightly so. But it’s not the only application.

I want to show you another vital use of faith.

The Faith Realm

In Matthew 14, we can read the story of the disciples getting into their boat to cross over to the other side after the feeding of the five thousand. The Bible says Jesus stayed behind to pray but after awhile, “…came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning” (Matthew 14:25). 

Interestingly, when the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were immediately gripped with fear saying, “Is it a ghost?!” I read that and thought wow, it’s Jesus but isn’t it just like the devil to try to distract with a spirit of fear?

In any season of faith, you and I have to be aware that the enemy will use a spirit of fear to  deflect and sidetrack our confidence in God. In fact, what would probably be more relatable would be the whispers of doubt: “Is this God? Is this really God?” No different than the way Satan talked to Eve in the garden, he still casts shadows and it’s important for us to recognize it.

Fear and doubt are strategies Satan uses regularly against believers. If he can get our eyes off Jesus (and His Word) and on to something else, he’s moved us out of the faith realm and into the reason realm.

Which is what happened to Peter.

Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered Him, “command me to come to You on the water.” (Matthew 14:27-28).

Surprises

I love that Jesus quickly exposed the enemy by identifying Himself to the disciples. He will do that in our lives too. Especially when we are familiar with His Word. When fear, doubt, and insecurities arise, the Word of God will rise higher! The Word of God will tell you the truth!

So Jesus answered Peter and said, “Come.” All it took was one word and Peter climbed out of the boat towards Jesus. Notice, moments earlier Peter was in doubt with the other disciples (“Is it a ghost?”) but when he heard Jesus speak, his faith kicked in– as it should.

“But when [Peter] saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!'” (Matthew 14:30). I started to say sometimes, but oftentimes, our step of faith is met with surprises. In other words, what we thought would be easy turns into a challenge.

The difficulty is with us, not God or the circumstances.

I said earlier, if the enemy can get our eyes off Jesus (and His Word) and on to something else, he’s moved us out of the faith realm and into the reason realm. The reason realm is simply the arena of thoughts and feelings — how things look and seem.

Peter actually responded correctly when his mind and heart slipped momentarily: “Lord, save me!” 

Remember, all who call on the Lord won’t be put to shame.

Sure, Jesus asked Peter why he doubted but He didn’t ignore him or let him sink further. “Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?'” (Matthew 14:31). 

Little faith isn’t small faith.
Little faith is short-lived faith.

Peter had faith to call on Jesus and get out of the boat. Unfortunately, it just didn’t last long enough to actually reach his destination without calling on Jesus for help. And I don’t think that’s terrible because Jesus wants to help us. But He also wants us to grow in faith.

Jesus didn’t shame Peter. This whole account reveals multiple teaching moments: identifying the enemy’s devices and recognizing how easy we can get into the flesh and out of faith. But just like Peter, we can trust Jesus to immediately help us.

My point is this: faith calls on the Lord– not just for salvation but for everything. Peter grew in his faith that day and with each opportunity presented to us, we can too.