We know that faith without works is dead, but it’s also true that works without faith makes it impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” This is a profound statement, and there are loads of examples that demonstrate this point. By faith, Noah built the ark. Noah had no idea what the big picture was, but by faith he knew that God would reward him. And on the list goes.
This means that our faith is necessary (maybe even more so) even when times get very tough. There is no clearer demonstration of this than when Peter walked on water. The disciples had already vowed to follow Jesus wherever he went. When the disciples saw Jesus walking on water during the storm, Jesus said, “Take heart; it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). Jesus used the same expression (ego eimi), it is I, that God used when he revealed himself to Moses as “I AM” (ego eimi). Peter’s response signals that he understood the connection: “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” (vs. 28).
Jesus simply commanded, “Come.” Peter’s faith empowered him to not only believe, but to step out onto the chaos of the stormy waters with Jesus. Peter know that “whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Peter was, in fact, rewarded for his faith. It probably looked nothing like what Peter expected, but he was rewarded, nonetheless.