“Then Peter got down out of the boat…” Matthew 14:29
If you enjoy boats, adventure, wonder, and rescues you will enjoy and be inspired by Matthew 14:22-33 found in the New Testament.
As you read these ten verses place yourself in the storyline. Which one describes you? Are you one of the eleven disciples who stayed in the boat afraid and not willing to take a risk or are you like Peter ready to step out and trust Jesus with your life?
Three times we see the words “…and immediately Jesus…”. It is easy to forget how our great God is alive and active in our lives and saves us immediately. No other god in the world desires a personal relationship with us or will rescue us from sin immediately like Jesus Christ.
When we read verse twenty-eight Peter boldly asked God a big question, “ Lord, if it is You, tell me to come to you on the water.” Notice how Peter recognizes Jesus and His power even in the dangerous storm. Peter may be fearful inside but he chooses to work through the fear and step out of the boat with the blessing of Jesus. The important lesson to learn from Peter is to ask Jesus first before you move and listen to the Lord’s reply.
Jesus replies with one word, “COME.”
Peter then moves to the edge of the boat, while the other eleven men watched, and he did something courageous. He decides to TRUST Jesus and he let’s go.
How about you?
Are you holding on to something you need to let go of? When you think about stepping out of the boat on FAITH, what is your biggest fear?
What’s your boat?
Everyone has a different answer.
Which of the following names would be painted on the side of your boat:
Comfort zone Lonely
Approval of others Misery
Boredom Guilt
Dysfunctional family Disappointment
Unfulfilled Painful Past
You can stay in your boat like the eleven disciples or you can decide to step out of the boat like Peter. Now is the time to trust Jesus to help you have victory over the one thing that has had you stuck in life for such a long time.
Look at yourself in the mirror and encourage yourself with the following words:
“You can’t walk on water (say your name), if you don’t get out of the boat.”
Philippians 4:13 is the encouragement verse for this devotional:
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
When God calls out to you “COME” and you say “YES LORD” you will experience the power of God in your life.
HOPE got Peter out of the boat. TRUST held him up on the water and FEAR sank him. Everything depends on your focus. Keep your eyes on the Savior not the Storm.
Remember, courage is doing what God calls you to do even when you are afraid.
Go ahead! Step out of the boat!
