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The Desire of Ages
could walk safely only as in utter self-distrust he should rely upon the
Saviour. It was on the point where he thought himself strong that Peter
was weak; and not until he discerned his weakness could he realize
his need of dependence upon Christ. Had he learned the lesson that
Jesus sought to teach him in that experience on the sea, he would not
have failed when the great test came upon him.
Day by day God instructs His children. By the circumstances of
the daily life He is preparing them to act their part upon that wider
stage to which His providence has appointed them. It is the issue of the
daily test that determines their victory or defeat in life’s great crisis.
Those who fail to realize their constant dependence upon God
will be overcome by temptation. We may now suppose that our feet
stand secure, and that we shall never be moved. We may say with
confidence, “I know in whom I have believed; nothing can shake my
faith in God and in His word.” But Satan is planning to take advantage
of our hereditary and cultivated traits of character, and to blind our eyes
to our own necessities and defects. Only through realizing our own
weakness and looking steadfastly unto Jesus can we walk securely.
No sooner had Jesus taken His place in the boat than the wind
ceased, “and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.”
The night of horror was succeeded by the light of dawn. The disciples,
and others who also were on board, bowed at the feet of Jesus with
thankful hearts, saying, “Of a truth Thou art the Son of God!”
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