"Step Out In Faith"
May 18, 2022 | By Chuck
Do you remember the story in Matthew 14:22-33, where Jesus walks on the water in the middle of the night toward His disciples in a boat? The story shows the amazing power of Jesus as well as His love and concern for His disciples. The story also shows a lot about Peter, one of the disciples in the boat that night. Peter’s the one who boldly said to Jesus, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” (Mt. 14:28). Would you be so bold as to make a demand like that to Jesus? It was Jesus and He did tell Peter to “come” (Mt. 14:29).
“So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus” (Mt. 14:29). We know how the rest of the story goes. Peter does fine walking on the water until he takes his eyes off Jesus and begins to sink. Of course, Jesus saves him. Peter garners much negative criticism for his lack of faith and not nearly enough praise for stepping out in faith. Sure, Peter noticed his surroundings and took his eyes off Jesus, but don’t we do the same thing from time to time? What I’m most impressed with is the incredible faith it took for Peter to step out of that boat and walk on the water.
Peter was safe in the comfort zone of the boat when in faith he trusted Jesus enough to obey Him and step out of the boat. How many of us would’ve just stayed in the boat? Truth is, we all have our comfort zones today that we really don’t like to leave. If we all stay couped up in our comfort zones, how will we grow? Will anything ever be accomplished? I believe Peter learned a lot and grew from stepping out of his comfort zone. Personally, I believe that’s precisely how we learn and grow spiritually.
When we stay right where we are, we’ll stay right where we are spiritually. The last thing Peter wrote was an admonition to grow spiritually. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Pet. 3:18). If we’re going to grow our faith, we must be willing to step out in faith.