Get Out of the Boat

Key Text: “But Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.” — Matthew 14:28-29

Faith usually sounds exciting until God asks you to move without showing you the full map. Peter was doing well inside the boat with the other disciples. The storm was outside, but at least the boat felt familiar. Yet Jesus was not in the boat. He was on the water. Sometimes the greatest miracle in your life will begin with discomfort. God has a funny way of calling people out of safe places. Abraham had to leave home. Moses had to face Pharaoh. Esther had to risk her life. Peter had to step out where fish swim and humans sink. Faith is not the absence of fear. Faith is moving while your knees are still negotiating with each other.

One funny thing about fear is that it always sounds reasonable. “What if I fail?” “What if people laugh at me?” “What if this business does not work?” “What if I pray and nothing happens?” Peter probably had all those thoughts in two seconds. But he still stepped out. Courage is not feeling like a superhero. Courage is saying, “Lord, if You said come, I will move.” Many people are waiting for confidence before obeying God, but confidence often comes after the first step, not before it. The miracle was not inside the boat. The miracle was on the water.

Sometimes God allows storms because calm water does not teach walking. You only discover God’s sustaining power when your feet leave what feels safe. And honestly, many of us want “water walking testimonies” with “boat sitting habits.” That combination does not work.

Prayers and Confession
Lord Jesus, help me to trust Your voice above my fears. Give me courage to obey You even when I do not understand everything. I receive strength to step out in faith and believe You for impossible things. My eyes are fixed on You and not on the storm. I will not remain trapped in fear and comfort. Amen.

Reflection
What “boat” has God been asking you to step out of recently?

Further Reading: Matthew 14:22-23, Hebrews 11:1-8, Joshua 1:1-9