GOoD Life Pre-Cepts: KeviJ
In the post-apocalyptic world of The Book of Eli, Denzel Washington’s character, Eli, walks across a barren, lawless wasteland. He carries the last known copy of the Bible, led not by sight, but by faith. He doesn’t know exactly where he’s going, how provision will come, or if he’d survive—but he walked anyway. At one point, Mila comes alongside and says, “You say you’ve been walking this way 30 years, how do you know you’re doing the right thing, or going the right way? His answer? blew me away: “I walk by faith, not by sight!” Eli navigates danger, betrayal, and loss with a calm assurance. Not because he sees, but because he believes. Like Peter on the water, Eli steps into uncertainty, trusting the Voice that leads. That’s what makes Jesus’ question in Matthew so piercing.
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
~Matthew 14:31
Faith That Starts Must Learn to Stay. (This is about staying focused long enough to end well)
This “GOoD Life Precept” teaches us that as believers, we’re called to grow from faith moments to a lifestyle of faith. There’s another trusty little verse that tells us to “Fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.” He doesn’t just start us on the right path; He sustains us. Jesus has just fed the 5,000 and sent the multitude and the disciples away so he could pray. Being fully aware of the present situation of the disciples, He heads down from the mountain to help them. Although their eyes were on Jesus, they initially thought he was a ghost, so they were even more afraid. Jesus only asked Peter this question because the situation was already pretty scary before He arrived; perhaps Jesus expected His presence alone should have been enough to calm their fears—even before He spoke. Jesus wasn’t shaming Peter for stepping out; it was a call to grow in faith. Jesus confronts the interruption.
Faith doesn’t just launch; it must last. Peter had enough faith to step onto the water, but he lost it when he looked away from Jesus. This shows us that kingdom faith is maintained by focus, not by circumstances. We should ask in faith without doubting, or we risk sinking in double-mindedness and receiving nothing from God. Jesus calls us into bold actions and desires our trust to remain firm through the storm. Our biggest fight isn’t the storm—it’s the whisper that tries to raise its voice louder than God’s word. Jesus, demonstrating authority over nature, told Peter to walk on water, and all he needed to do was keep his eyes on Jesus and move in faith.
In a culture drowning in distractions, pressure, and fear-driven headlines, it’s easy to start in faith and end in fear. Paul challenged this in his day too: “Are you so foolish? Having begun by faith in the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” The kingdom calls us not just to launch dreams, ministries, or healing journeys—but to keep our eyes locked on the One who sustains them every step of the way. Here’s the part that grabs me in this context: even though Peter started sinking, Jesus never let him go. Even when we sink, His grip is still stronger than our stumble. If we can trust in anything, it is His word. So, just as Denzel’s character did in the book of Eli, we are called to walk out our faith in such a way that others look and marvel.
Faith is stepping when the storm says stop. We can allow doubt to creep into our thoughts when we second-guess what we know is a wonderful work in our lives for God’s glory. I want to remind us of the great leader Nehemiah, who went to work on the wall and refused to be deterred by those around him who sought to bring doubt in what he was called to do to tear him away. During this faith walk, there are times we have to recalibrate and re-anchor. Life is always lifin’—but faith re-anchors us when chaos tries to move us. When we see the news reel, bad news from the doctor visit, wayward children, we can choose to be unmoved, remembering it’s about finishing strong in faith.
Time of Reflection:
** Peter didn’t fail because he sank; he failed because he shifted focus.
** Jesus is still asking the same question: Where did you doubt?
Heart Probe:
Where have I let the facts overrule my faith?
References:
Cross References from TSK etc.
Matt. 14:31
Heb 12:2
Jam 1:6
Gal 3:3
Neh 6:3
Rom 1:17
Chronological Bible Placement: Per Thomas Nelson Chronological Study Bible
Closing Prayer:
Jesus, I confess, this is an area I’ve often tended to miss. I start strong, then when situations arise, often I just need to re-anchor, but I give up. Help me keep my eyes on You, not the waves. Strengthen my faith and my resolve, not just for the step, but the journey. Thank You for reaching out to save me every time I’ve wavered. Amen
