Peter's lack of faith in this passage surprises me. He first doubts that the man on the shore is Jesus. That part is at least understandable since the weather was bad and seeing someone on the shore late at night might have scared him. However, after Peter asks Jesus to prove that it is him by allowing Peter to walk on water to come to him and he still doubts once the winds pick up just strikes me. I think it's a great example of how quickly we can lose eternal perspective in the face of our immediate circumstances.

Notice also how Peter started sinking. It wasn't like he completely sank in an instant. And in his moment of fear and doubt, Jesus is right there graciously extending his hand to save him.

Matthew 14:22-33