Faith Over Fear: Stepping Out of the Boat
The week has been long, and the days have been filled with the usual mix of work, responsibilities, and personal struggles. You've found yourself standing at the edge of your own "sea," looking out at the waves of uncertainty and wondering how you'll make it through. The fears and doubts that have been lurking in the shadows begin to creep in, making it hard to take that first step forward.
But then you remember a story – a story of a man who stepped out of a boat and onto the water, defying the laws of nature and pushing past the boundaries of fear. This is the story of Jesus walking on water, a testament to the power of faith over fear.
The Stormy Night
The story begins on a stormy night, as recorded in Matthew 14:22-33. Jesus had just fed the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish, and now he's sending his disciples ahead of him to the other side of the lake while he dismisses the crowd. After the crowd is gone, Jesus goes up on a mountainside to pray. Meanwhile, the disciples are out on the lake, struggling to make headway against the wind and the waves.
The Bible says, "But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary" (Matthew 14:24). The disciples are alone, fighting against the elements, and they're getting tired. It's in this moment of vulnerability that Jesus comes to them, walking on the water.
A Figure in the Distance
At first, the disciples think Jesus is a ghost. They're terrified. But then Jesus speaks to them, saying, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matthew 14:27). Peter, being the bold one, asks Jesus to command him to come out onto the water. Jesus says, "Come" (Matthew 14:29), and Peter steps out of the boat.
For a moment, Peter walks on the water. He's doing the impossible, and it's all because of his faith in Jesus. But then he starts to look around at the waves and the wind, and he begins to sink. Jesus reaches out and catches him, saying, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" (Matthew 14:31).
The Power of Faith
This story is about the power of faith over fear. When Peter steps out of the boat, he's not just taking a physical risk; he's also making a statement about his trust in Jesus. He's saying, "I believe you can do the impossible, and I'm willing to take a chance on you."
But when Peter starts to sink, it's because he's taken his eyes off Jesus. He's started to focus on the circumstances around him, rather than the power of the one who's calling him to come. This is a lesson for all of us – that our faith is only as strong as our focus on Jesus.
Stepping Out in Faith
So what does it mean to step out of the boat in our own lives? It means taking risks, trusting in God's power and provision, and being willing to face our fears. It means looking at the waves and the wind, but also looking at Jesus, who's standing on the water, calling us to come.
It's not always easy, and it's not always comfortable. But when we step out in faith, we open ourselves up to the possibility of experiencing God's power and presence in our lives. We start to see that the impossible is possible, and that our fears and doubts are no match for the power of God.
A New Perspective
As we reflect on this story, we're reminded that our perspective is everything. When we look at our circumstances through the lens of fear and doubt, we'll always see obstacles and challenges. But when we look at them through the lens of faith, we'll see opportunities and possibilities.
The Bible says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). This means that we trust in God's power and provision, even when we can't see what's ahead. We trust that he's working everything out for our good, and that he's calling us to come to him, no matter what the circumstances may be.
A Prayer for Faith
Dear Jesus, I want to step out of the boat and onto the water. I want to trust in your power and provision, and to see the impossible become possible. Help me to keep my eyes on you, even when the waves and the wind are raging around me. Give me the faith to take risks, to face my fears, and to trust in your goodness. I know that you're always with me, calling me to come to you. Help me to hear your voice, and to respond in faith. Amen.
