Generous Gentleness
“O you of little faith.” That's me!
Or should I say, that's how I sometimes describe myself. It's not my identity.
One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.
Luke 16:10
My scripture for 2026 set me on a journey looking at the word “little” in the Gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 14:22-33 is the account of Jesus walking on the water toward the terrified disciples in the middle of a storm. Jesus knows that amid the storm, the disciples might not remember his authority over the wind and the waves. That power they personally experienced when Jesus was in the boat with them, asleep. (Matthew 8:23-27) This time, Jesus is not in the boat; however, he saw their predicament and came toward them walking on the water.
The last few verses record Peter's reaction. “Lord, IF it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” (Matthew 14:28, capitalization is mine.)
Peter wants more proof than Jesus's words. Jesus had initiated toward the boat full of disciples, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27) But Peter…
Jesus is an initiator. He approached the entire group of fearful disciples. The Bible does not record the disciples calling first to Jesus. Perhaps they thought it was worthless. After all, they were a long way from shore. (Matthew 14:24) Distance does not affect Jesus. He is a responder.
Jesus recognized their fear, and his rescue mission was immediate.
In response to Peter's lack of trust, Jesus invites, “Come.” (Matthew 14:29) Jesus met Peter where he was. He didn't scold Peter for his unbelief. He invites. And when Peter's trust waivers, he is close enough to Jesus to grab his hand. “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him.” (Matthew 14:31)
Jesus immediately rescued. He met Peter at his point of need.
And then he asked:
O you of little faith, why did you doubt?
Matthew 14:31
I find encouragement in this narrative. I'm in good company. “O you of little faith” were Jesus's words to Peter as he began to sink while walking on the water.
Sinking... that's part of my story too.
Don't they know what I have to offer? Those words float through my brain far too often.
Why wasn't I asked to minister to that group?
Why wasn't I invited to that training?
Sinking questions.
As I recall the stories that fit those questions, I'm not sure I felt my rescue was immediate. It sometimes seemed like a long time coming.
But God.
But then God, in His GENEROUS GENTLENESS and perfect timing, reminds me:
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Jeremiah 31:3
I reach for Jesus's hand and trust once again.
PRAYER
Father, please grow my little faith. I want to be that woman who recognizes my sinking questions and Your immediate rescue. Remind me of Your truth, and may that truth transform my little faith. Amen.
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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.
