Thought

Following Jesus isn’t like being a fan. It requires more than clicking a “like” button—it takes everything you’ve got and more. Think about Peter’s faith journey in this story. He’d grown up near the water. He’d fished on the Sea of Galilee thousands of times and knew that people, like rocks, sink quickly in the water. But when Peter recognized Jesus walking on the lake, his heart filled with faith, and he followed his Lord. He stepped on the waves and kept his eyes on Jesus—until he didn’t. But even then, Jesus was there to save Peter. If you let faith lead you to take those first steps toward Jesus, He’ll be there no matter what happens next.

Word

Matthew 14:29–30 NIV

“Come,” [Jesus] 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!”

Question

How do modern-day performers “walk on water”?

You may have seen magicians perform this illusion. But note that they don’t run around in circles willy-nilly; they go in areas they have prepared in advance. No magician has gone out at night in a storm and walked miles during windy weather. Experts will assure you that high-quality plexiglass, paid “witnesses,” and carefully controlled camera angles are involved in most of the “walking on water” events you can see online. How is that different from the accounts we have in the Bible of what Jesus did?

Challenge

Think of the person you’d want with you during a storm on the sea. Write that person a note or send them a text telling them how much you appreciate and trust them.

Prayer

God, sometimes I forget that You can do amazing miracles. Help me believe that when I take a step of faith, You will be there with me no matter how scary it is. Amen.