Get Out of the Boat Faith Devotional

Get Out of the Boat Faith

February 3, 2013

Matthew 14:24-33

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.  About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.  When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”  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.  But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.  Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”  When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.  Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. 

The disciples found themselves in trouble.  They were without their teacher and protector, Jesus Christ.  Their lives were at risk in water during a storm.  They had every reason to be afraid.  Add to that this man walking on water towards them.  Impossible.  It must be a ghost.  They were doomed.  It’s a Biblical scary story.  At the scariest moment, Jesus says “I am here” and “don’t be afraid”.  Jesus is always there in the scariest and darkest of times.  He shows up in the most unexpected of circumstances.  Jesus is present for us.

Peter sees Jesus and wants out of the boat.  He wants to be where Jesus is.  Peter has a tendency to act impulsively.  He is also a leader and tends to be the first to try things.  He isn’t perfect, but he is willing to have faith and do what others consider odd or impossible.  If Jesus can walk on water, Peter can too.  So he asks Jesus, Jesus says “come”, and Peter walks on water…until he realizes what he is actually doing.  Then he begins to doubt…he begins to sink.  Jesus reaches out his hand and saves Peter.  Do we ever let our doubts sink us?  We live faithfully.  We live out the belief we have until we notice the wind and waves around us.  Then our tendency is to shrink back to what feels safe.  Do not doubt.  Jesus is greater than the storm.