Stepping Out of the Boat
Over the last few days, I’ve been reflecting on this passage of scripture from the Gospel of Matthew 14:22-33, where Jesus comes to the disciples on the Sea of Galilee in the midst of a storm.
There is another part of this scripture. You may remember that in the heart of the storm, Peter feels called to take a leap of faith. And instead of waiting for Jesus to come to him, he asked Jesus, “Command me to come to you.” And for a brief moment, Peter himself walks on water.
I’m not sure what to do with this, except to think that maybe there have been times in your life when even amidst the storm you have felt called to step out in faith. Perhaps even now. Maybe it is as simple as asking for help, seeking counseling, or attending a recovery group for the first time. Or perhaps you have felt led to give when you felt you had nothing to give. Or maybe it is standing up for someone in need, or caring for someone in pain, even when you feel like you are hanging on by a thread yourself.
One of the things I love about this story is that it shows us Peter’s humanity. One minute he has this bold faith. He’s all in, his eyes are fixed on Jesus. And the next minute he’s distracted by the wind, by the obstacles, by the potential for failure, by being in over his head. He takes his eyes off of Jesus, he becomes afraid, and he starts to sink. This mix of belief and unbelief, this faith and doubt, trusting and untrusting captures his humanity.
Yet even then, Jesus is right there to lift him up. And he says, “O You of little faith, why did you doubt?” You could do it. And I have to think: at least Peter got out of the boat, which is more than the other eleven could say!
It’s not easy to trust that we’ll make it through the storm, much less take a leap of faith in the heart of it. However, I do trust that Jesus meets us wherever we are. And I do pray that you will hear Jesus say to you: You can do it. Take courage… It is I… Do not be afraid.
Let us pray: Meet us, Lord Jesus, amid the storms of life. Ground us in your peace, and fill us anew with your healing grace. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
