Based on the text, was Cholkar's faith wavering before Sai Baba performed the miracle with the tea?

The narrative in Chapter 15 does not suggest that Cholkar's faith was wavering; rather, it indicates his faith was about to be profoundly confirmed. His delay in fulfilling the vow stemmed from legitimate financial hardship, referred to as the difficult "threshold-ghat," not from a lack of belief. In fact, his commitment was strong enough that he undertook a personal penance of giving up sugar during the delay. Baba's miracle with the tea served a specific purpose, which the text clarifies: it was so that "Cholkar’s faith would be confirmed and the stamp of devotion would be impressed." It was an event that elevated his existing faith to a level of absolute, experiential certainty and supreme bliss.