12. Upon what, then, is genuine, saving faith based?
“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom. 10:17.
13. What was the cause of Peter's sinking after he had started to meet the Saviour on the stormy sea?
“And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Matt. 14:31.
Note.—The boisterous sea caused Peter to doubt the strength of Christ's word, “Come.”
14. With what is it our privilege to be filled?
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Rom. 15:13.
Note.—Faith may be strengthened by daily exercise. It is not some great thing, done once for all, that gives an individual faith; but an every-day, simple, childlike trust in God, and an implicit obedience to His Word. Some make faith a more difficult matter than God would have them, because they try to embrace too much at one time. They take on the burdens of tomorrow or next week, when the Lord supplies strength only for today. When tomorrow comes, grapple with its duties, but not until it does come. We should remember the precious promise, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” Deut. 33:25.
Away, my unbelieving fear!