Held Above the Waves. After feeding the crowd, Jesus sends the disciples ahead while He goes alone to pray. Night falls. The wind rises. The boat strains against the waves. In the darkest hours, Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. Fear grips them until He speaks: “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Peter steps out of the boat at Jesus’ invitation. For a moment, faith holds him above the storm. But when he notices the wind, fear takes over and he begins to sink. Immediately, Jesus reaches out and catches him. The storm quiets. The disciples worship, recognizing what they are only beginning to understand, that Jesus is truly the Son of God. This passage reminds us that faith is not the absence of fear, but the choice to step toward Christ in the midst of it. Even when our courage falters, His hand does not.

Matthew 14:22-32 Easy: Then Jesus made the followers get into the boat. He told them to go to the other side of the lake. He said he would come later. He stayed there to tell everyone they could go home.  After Jesus said goodbye to the people, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. It was late, and he was there alone.  By this time the boat was already a long way from shore. Since the wind was blowing against it, the boat was having trouble because of the waves. Between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus’ followers were still in the boat. Jesus came to them. He was walking on the water.  When they saw him walking on the water, it scared them. “It’s a ghost!” they said, screaming in fear. But Jesus quickly spoke to them. He said, “Don’t worry! It’s me! Don’t be afraid.” Peter said, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come, Peter.” Then Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus.  But while Peter was walking on the water, he saw the wind and the waves. He was afraid and began sinking into the water. He shouted, “Lord, save me!” Then Jesus caught Peter with his hand. He said, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?” After Peter and Jesus were in the boat, the wind stopped. Then the followers in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “You really are the Son of God.”

Lord Jesus, when the waves rise and fear pulls at our feet, call us to trust You. Hold us when we falter and teach us to keep our eyes on You. Love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Your precious Name Amen.