Matthew 14:22:34

Matthew 14:22-34 (New International Version)

 22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

 25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.

 27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

 28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

 29"Come," he said.

   Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

 32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

 34When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.

Devotional (by Isaac Pellerin)

Have you ever felt like you need to take steps of faith? Felt like you need to take steps closer to Jesus but so much around you tells you that it will be dangerous? Imagine what was going through Peter's head when Jesus told him to step out of the boat. What's going through your head when you think about taking a step closer?

So often we are bombarded by things that grip us with fear and take our eyes off of Jesus. Maybe a relationship, a job (or lack of), or insecurities within yourself cause you to second guess the direction you're going in. 

We could focus on the fact that Peter just didn't have enough faith, even though he was a risk taker (I mean the other 11 disciples were still in the boat), but I think it's important to note the faith the Jesus had in Peter. Jesus told him to step out because he believed that Peter had the capacity to trust in him.

Today I am letting this story remind me that Jesus believes in me. He created me and knows that I can take the steps he's placed before me. He knows that I have the capacity for that kind of faith. Let that reality encourage you to take a step closer to Him.

Prayer: Dear God it can be so easy to doubt myself. Help me to look to you to find confidence in the direction You are leading me. In Jesus' name, Amen.