By Andrew Williams
“But Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage. I am here!’ Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.’ ‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.” – Matthew 14:27-29 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
This passage captures one of the most extraordinary moments in Peter’s journey as a disciple of Jesus. The disciples were in a boat, battling waves and wind when they saw Jesus walking on the water toward them. Understandably, they were terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost. But Jesus reassured them with His words: “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here!”
Peter, true to his bold and impulsive nature, responded with faith mixed with curiosity. He asked for confirmation, saying, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” Jesus responded with a simple invitation: “Yes, come.” Peter stepped out of the boat and, in that moment of faith, walked on water toward Jesus.
Peter’s willingness to step out of the boat is a powerful example of faith in action. He redirected his focus from the safety of the boat to the Savior standing before him. Though he would later falter when he focused on the storm, this moment shows us the importance of trusting Jesus enough to take bold steps, even when the circumstances seem impossible.
Peter’s story empowers us to trust Jesus in the midst of life’s storms. Like Peter, we all face moments when we are called to step out of our comfort zones and trust Jesus in ways that seem risky or even impossible. Peter’s faith inspires us to redirect our focus from the safety of the “boat”—our comfort, logic, or fear—to the Savior who calls us to step out in faith.
When Jesus says, “Take courage. I am here,” it is not just a reassurance but an invitation. He is present in the storms of life, and His presence gives us the courage to do things we could never do on our own. Peter reminds us that faith is not just about believing in Jesus—it’s about acting on that belief, even when the waves look overwhelming.
What is the “boat” in your life—the place of comfort or safety that Jesus is calling you to step out of? Spend time in prayer today, asking Jesus to help you identify where He is inviting you to take a step of faith. Maybe it’s starting a new ministry, sharing your faith with someone, or trusting Him in an area of uncertainty. Once you’ve identified it, take one practical step toward obedience, redirecting your focus from the waves around you to the Savior who stands before you.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the reminder that You are with me, even in the storms of life. Like Peter, I want to have the boldness to step out of the boat and trust You completely. Help me to redirect my focus from my fears and uncertainties to Your presence and power. Strengthen my faith so that I can take steps of obedience, knowing that You will sustain me. Use my life, Lord, to bring glory to You and to show others the power of trusting in You. In Your name, I pray, Amen.