Get Out of the Boat
OPENING PRAYER:
Jesus, I want to hear Your voice and follow when You call. Give me courage. Amen.
After Jesus identified Himself, Peter responded in a way no one else in the boat did.
“‘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.” Matthew 14:28-31 (NIV)
REFLECT:
A lot of people focus on Peter sinking. But Pastor Todd pointed us to something else: Peter was the only one of the twelve who trusted Jesus enough to get out of the boat in the first place. The other eleven stayed where it was comfortable and safe. Peter heard Jesus say “Come,” and he came. He became the only human being in history, other than Jesus, to walk on water.
Yes, Peter took his eyes off Jesus. He looked at the wind and the waves, and he began to sink. But notice what happened next. He cried out, and “immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.” Stepping out in faith and stumbling is met by the hand of Jesus. Staying in the boat simply misses the miracle.
Jesus is still looking for followers who listen for His voice and, when He says “Come,” they come. He is not asking you to have everything figured out. As Pastor Todd said, all He is asking is that you take a step out of the boat. Keep praying for that child. Keep obeying Him at work. Keep trusting Him in the middle of that diagnosis. Keep your eyes on Him, not on the waves.
APPLY:
Ask God, “What step are You inviting me to take?” It might be a hard conversation, a new way to serve, or joining a group, or giving for the first time. If you have trusted Jesus but have never been baptized, your step may be baptism. Learn more and sign up at pathwaychurch.com/baptism Take your step within the next 48 hours.
I WILL STATEMENT:
“I will trust Jesus to take a step out of the boat.”
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, I hear You saying, “Come.” Help me keep my eyes on You and not on the wind. When I start to sink, thank You that Your hand is already reaching for me. In Your name, amen.
PRAYER REQUEST:
Share your prayer request and pray for others.
CONTINUED READING: