A flawless 7.03 carat blue diamond recently sold to an anonymous bidder at Sotheby's for $9.5 million. A blue diamond is an incredibly rare find with only a handful in known existence. This stone was discovered last year in South Africa and is precious for both its size and clarity.

The same could be said of faith. Jesus never let little faith go unchallenged. He also never overlooked the preciousness of great faith. A woman who had been bleeding for 12 years reached out to Him for healing. Jesus told her, “Take heart, daughter…your faith has healed you.” (Matt. 9:22) Jesus honored a Canaanite woman who pled for her demon possessed daughter and said, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” (Matt. 15:28) Jesus commended a woman who anointed Him and kissed his feet saying, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Lk. 7:50)

When Jesus spoke of “little faith,” more often than not, Peter was on the other end of the conversation. Peter and the other disciples feared for their lives on the stormy sea though the giver of life was sleeping in their boat. They woke Him, and Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you afraid?” (Matt. 8:26) Later, Peter boldly joined Jesus on His water walking expedition, but Peter too quickly began to sink. The Master questioned, “You of little faith…why did you doubt?” (Matt. 14:31)

The early part of Peter’s story shines a contrasting spotlight on his puny faith. Yet the end of his life is marked instead by faith that he calls “precious.” (2 Peter 1:1) From little faith to precious faith. Precious enough to speak with courage at Pentecost. Priceless enough to face prison, persecution and criticism. Prized enough to die a martyr. What made the difference? Peter’s story provides a clue.

Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid." Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come ahead." Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!" (Matt. 14:24-30, MSG, emphasis mine)

Little faith looks at wind and waves. Precious faith looks at Jesus.

Little faith sees the moment. Precious faith sees eternity.

Little faith notices the physical. Precious faith notices the spiritual.

Little faith is afraid. Precious faith is courageous.

Little faith doubts. Precious faith lives…forever.

Little faith has little value. It’s as commonplace as your fears. As ordinary as your doubts. Little faith does not come from a deep mine but is more like the gravel that turns up right on the surface of life.

Precious faith is a rare gem treasured for its size and clarity. Precious faith knows that the life giver is on board. Precious faith looks past the moment and sees only the Master.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Cor. 4:18)

2 Peter 1:1