Devotional:

“22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”” — Matthew 14:22-33

Fear is a powerful thing. It can control your thoughts, your decisions and your emotions and it can physically paralyze you. The disciples experienced paralyzing fear on the boat that night. They had been working against the heavy wind and waves for a long time, getting nowhere. It was probably sometime between 3-6am and they were terrified. And while they were already scared for their lives, this ghostly figure looked like it was floating on top of the water toward them.

Jesus tried to comfort their fears with His voice, saying, “It’s me! Don’t be afraid,” but it wasn’t enough to calm their fears. To which Jesus had to be thinking, “Come on guys, do you really not recognize me by now? You know, God, the one you’ve been following? The water to wine…Peter, I healed your mother-in-law and raised a dead girl to life? Do you still not know my voice?”

I mean, how could Jesus not be in a constant state of frustration with these guys? Not only did they not recognize Jesus’s voice, but Peter also demanded proof that this was Jesus. Jesus could have said, “Nope, I can’t believe after everything we’ve been through, you don’t recognize me; Sorry guys, you’re on your own for this one.” But He didn’t say that, instead, He gave Peter the proof he needed. And even still, Peter got out of the boat and fear took control of him.

All we have is faith, Jesus isn’t physically in front of us like He was with the disciples. It seems like it would have been so much easier for them, having Jesus right there, witnessing His miracles firsthand. But their faith was just as shaky as ours can be when we let fear control our circumstances.

How many times has Jesus had to say to me, “Oh, you of little faith. Why do you doubt?” I’m embarrassed to say way more times than He has said, “Good job, thanks for trusting me.”

Faith versus fear…we hear it all the time. The opposite of faith is not doubt, the opposite of faith is fear. You cannot live by faith while simultaneously living by fear, but fear doesn’t disqualify us from God.

Peter knew that for his faith journey, he had to step out of the boat. Despite his fear of what might happen, he had enough faith to get out of the boat and start walking toward Jesus in the dangerous and scary storm, but that wasn’t the end of his fear. He let it get to him again and he started to sink when the fear took hold, but Jesus, once again, saved him.

Of course, He called Peter out for his fear and doubt, but He did not abandon him. He safely brought Peter back to the boat and got in with them. Then He calmed the storm and it says they worshipped Him.

What is keeping you from getting out of the boat? Is it fear, safety, comfort or control?

Are you fearful of what hard things God might have waiting for you outside the boat? Do you want to keep all the people in your life safe and secure inside your perfect little boat? Are you comfortable in your boat, afraid to mess with your routine and lifestyle? Or do you think you’re the only captain that can handle your boat? How’s that working for you so far?  

Getting out of the boat is the first step in walking in obedience and it’s usually the hardest, but every step after that will not be all snowflakes and roses, I promise. But just like Jesus didn’t quit on Peter because of his fear and doubt, Jesus won’t quit on you. And stepping out of your comfort and into obedience will allow God to show His love, mercy and grace in ways you’ll never experience if you stay in the boat.

 It says in Deuteronomy 31:8 – It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Take some time to pray today. What is inside your boat keeping you from stepping out in obedience?

Jesus, we love our comfort, control and safety. Our human nature, full of sin, keeps us from stepping out and following You. God, would You overpower and take down the spirit of fear in us, so that we have the courage to keep our eyes on You through the wind and the waves that come into our lives? Thank You for not giving up on us. Oh, how we deserve it, but You never give up. We love You and thank You for all the second chances. Amen