Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 14:22-33 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. Verse 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, Verse 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. Verse 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. Verse 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. Verse 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Verse 28Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Verse 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. Verse 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Verse 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Verse 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Verse 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Devotion
I doubt Peter expected to go swimming when he set out in the boat, but I’ve heard it said, “You can’t go fishing and not expect to get wet once in awhile.” I wonder if the other disciples stifled a laugh when he fell in, but maybe they were humbled that he was the only one who tried walking on water, and for a few steps he was!
We’re called to be fishers of men, but a fear of failure, rejection, or getting wet sometimes keeps us from actually bringing in a catch. However, like learning how to ride a bike, we won’t learn unless we try. Yes, we’ll likely fall every once in awhile, but that’s okay. Like Peter crying, “Lord, save me!”, Rom. 10:13 assures us, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Expect to get wet, but know that it’s much more fulfilling than staying dry.
Prayer
Lord, help us overcome our fears and take a leap of faith to follow you today. Amen.