Stepping Outside the Boat
Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” - Matthew 14:25-33
If you are riding a boat in the middle of the storm and you see Jesus walking on waters, will you come to Him just like Peter did? Will you take the risk and step outside the boat? Will you choose to follow Jesus despite the strong winds and waves? There are moments when you just can’t see Him on the boat with you. Sometimes, He’s on the outside, and He will wait until you come to Him. Only then will you receive more breakthroughs.
The following observations are important reminders for us, especially when we decide to step outside the boat, just like what Peter did.
- Peter stepped on the waters.
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus - Matthew 14:28-29
Peter got the courage to step outside their boat because He set His eyes on Jesus. At that moment, He was in awe of what He saw and forgot that they were in the middle of the storm. Among the disciples who are inside the boat, Peter alone got the strength to try what Jesus is doing. It actually started because of Peter’s little faith. He wants to make sure that what He saw is true and it’s Jesus Himself. He knew Peter’s heart, and He proved to Him that it was not just part of His imagination. Because of that little faith, Peter got down of the boat and walked on water.
2. Peter saw the wind
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” -Matthew 14: 30
When Peter’s vision shifted to the strong winds and not to Jesus, that’s the time when He started to drown. He felt scared and quickly forgot that Jesus was with Him. One moment, He is confidently walking on waters, and instantly, everything changed. Just like Peter, we also experience the same thing every time we focus on our problems. We will always feel sacred if we will not fix our eyes on God’s great love. Yes, stepping outside the boat will lead you to experience more of Him, but it requires great faith.
3. Jesus saved Peter
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” - Matthew 14:31
Even though you will feel scared and you will experience failures in life. Remember that Jesus is watching over you, and He will save you. Stepping outside the boat may not be easy, but always put in mind that the winds and waves can never stop Jesus from protecting you. Just don’t doubt in His power. Peter wasn’t able to enjoy His moment with Jesus because His focus immediately shifted. Increase your faith and believe in His great love for you. Only then will you experience the adventure that God prepared for you outside the boat.
May you always have the courage to step outside your comfort zone and allow Jesus to perform miracles in your life. Focus on Him and have faith. Don’t be bothered by the obstacles you will face. Instead, let God’s love and power be your only assurance that everything will be worth it. Hold His hands and do not let go. Grow in His presence, and you will experience more victories with Him.
