Matthew 14:22-36

²²Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. ²⁵And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. ²⁶But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. ²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

²⁸Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³²When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

³⁴When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. ³⁵After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, ³⁶and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

This passage always amazes me. Peter gets out of the boat.  He has the faith to try, but when the wind kicks up, he shows fear.  Sometimes I think Jesus got a little rough with Peter – out of all the apostles, at least Peter tried and of course he was afraid.  Have you ever been on rough waters when a storm kicked in? I do get what Jesus is saying – “I’m right here calling you to me – do not let anything stop you from coming to me, not even your fear.”

When was the last time you stepped out in faith and tried something different, difficult or even nearly impossible?  As you go through this week, keep your eyes open for those opportunities and step out in faith like Peter.  Maybe you will stumble, maybe you will succeed, maybe you will do both.  But you will not if you stay in the boat.

Peace,

Pastor Bill