SCRIPTURE READING:
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:22-33
The storm was raging, and the disciples were straining at the oars. Then they saw something — someone — walking on the water. At first they were terrified. But then came the voice: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
Peter dared to believe. “Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come.” And Jesus did.
For a few miraculous moments, Peter walked on water. His eyes were fixed on Christ. But then came the wind… the waves… the doubt. He started to sink.
Still, this was a defining moment. Not because Peter failed — but because he got out of the boat. He experienced what no other disciple did: the thrill of walking by faith, and the safety of Jesus’ hand pulling him up when he faltered.
Your defining moment might not be in success, but in the decision to step toward Jesus — even in fear. Maybe you’ll stumble. Maybe your faith won’t hold. But the real question is: Will you get out of the boat?
Jesus still calls us to come — not when the sea is calm, but in the middle of the storm.
Something to prayerfully think about: What step of faith is Jesus calling me to take — and am I keeping my eyes on Him or the waves?
