“Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. 24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. 27 The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”” Matthew 8:23-27 NLT
“Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”” Matthew 14:25-33 NLT
Father God,
In just a few chapters we see the growth in understanding of the disciples. From wondering who the man Jesus really is because he seems able to control nature – to seeing his divinity because creation is His to command.
I think that I respond to Jesus in the boat readily because he is someone I can ask for help from in a storm or when I am in a panic. Always there even if He seems to be sleeping, though of course He, You never sleep Father. (Psalm 121:4)). But in the midst of s storm it is not easy to step forward and trust You. To look to you when drowning in fear. Peter is the disciple ready to take that next step. For each of us there is our own, next step, time of growth and spiritual challenge. It may not be the same as anyone else’s as You know us inside and out (Psalm 139).
And it is not like we will get an exam tomorrow! I am at peace Father that You know when we are ready for a step in faith and you lead us and teach us and help us grow. Help us to see, as Simon must have, that we are growing in faith and knowing Jesus more, even if it means getting our feet wet – not in a literal sense!
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 30th October 2025
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail
And fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed
And You won’t start now
So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
And You are mine
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour
Repeat above . . .
Oh, Jesus, You’re my God!
I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine
Lyrics: Salomon Ligthelm, Joel Timothy Houston, Matthew Philip Crocker.