Step Out of the Boat
Scripture
“Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.’
‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me?’
When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. ‘You really are the Son of God!’ they exclaimed.”
—Matthew 14:28–33 (NLT)
The miracle in this story is not only that Jesus walked on water, but that Peter did too. It is easy to expect the supernatural from Jesus, but remarkable that an ordinary man experienced it for himself. Out of all twelve disciples, only one was willing to step out of the boat. Peter’s faith was not perfect, and his words lacked confidence, but his willingness to respond made all the difference.
Faith often begins in the tension between fear and trust. Like Peter, you may never feel completely ready, but obedience is not about having complete confidence. It is about keeping your eyes on Jesus and moving toward Him even when the wind is strong and the waves are high.
“The worst failure is to never get out of the boat.”
— John Ortberg¹
Many of us are waiting for God to show up in our circumstances, but often He is waiting for us to step forward in faith. He is present, speaking, and inviting you to join Him in what He is doing. Staying in the boat feels safer, but it’s actually the greater risk, because it’s the one place you’ll never see Him do something only faith can reach.
When Peter began to sink, Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. Even when your faith falters, His grace does not. Every step toward Jesus, even the shaky ones, matters to Him. So today, look at whatever boat you’re gripping, and let go.
Reflection
- What “boat” might God be calling you to step out of right now?
- How can you keep your focus on Jesus instead of the wind and waves around you?
- When has God met you with grace after your faith began to falter?
Prayer
Ask God to strengthen your faith and help you trust His voice when He calls. Thank Him that even when you sink, His hand is there to lift you up. Pray for courage to step out of the boat and go wherever He leads.
Footnote
¹ John Ortberg, If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001).