Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Matthew 14:26-31.
In this passage, we find a moment that captures both the boldness and the weakness of human faith. The disciples are trapped in a storm, battered by waves, and terrified by what they think is a ghost. But Jesus appears in the middle of their fear and speaks the words that calm the storm inside their hearts before He calms the one outside: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Peter, always the one ready to step forward, dares to believe. “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” And with one word—Come—Jesus invites Peter to do the impossible. For a few miraculous steps, Peter walks on the waves. But when he takes his eyes off Jesus and focuses on the wind and the storm, fear overtakes faith, and he begins to sink.
How often do we do the same? We start with confidence, trusting Jesus to help us through life’s storms, but when the winds rise—the unexpected diagnosis, the loss, the uncertainty—we begin to look at the storm instead of the Savior. Fear replaces faith, and we start to sink.
But the good news of this passage is not that Peter sank—it’s that Jesus immediately reached out His hand. He didn’t wait for Peter to struggle or sink further. Jesus was there, ready to lift him up.
Faith doesn’t mean we never doubt. It means that when we do, we know whom to call: “Lord, save me!”
Today, no matter what storm you’re in, hear Jesus saying to you:
“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Keep your eyes on Him. The waves may rise, but His hand is always within reach.
Personal Worship Option:
Lord Jesus, when the storms of life rise up and fear begins to sink my heart, help me to fix my eyes on You. Strengthen my faith to trust You, even when I don’t understand. Thank You for always reaching out to lift me up. Amen.
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