Friday, October 2, 2026
Good morning from Colorado! Today we’re going to begin our October journey by looking at one of those Bible stories many of us have heard before, but perhaps haven’t stopped to really think about in a long time. It’s the story of Peter stepping out of a boat, walking toward Jesus on the water, and then discovering what happens when fear gets bigger than our faith.
Let’s Read the Scripture
Matthew 14:22–33
Jesus sends His disciples ahead of Him in a boat while He goes away to pray. During the night, a storm comes up, and the disciples become frightened. Then they see Jesus walking toward them on the water.
Peter asks Jesus to tell him to come to Him, and Jesus simply says, “Come.”
Peter steps out of the boat and begins walking toward Jesus. But when he notices the wind and the waves, he becomes afraid and begins to sink. Peter cries out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reaches out His hand and catches him.
Questions to Consider
What was Peter looking at when he first stepped out of the boat?
Peter was looking at Jesus. He heard Jesus say, “Come,” and trusted Him enough to step out of the boat. His focus was on the One who had called him.
What changed when he began to sink?
Peter’s focus changed. He saw the wind and the waves and became afraid. The storm captured his attention, and he took his eyes off Jesus.
Have you ever allowed fear to become bigger than your trust in God?
I think this is where Peter’s story becomes personal for all of us. Fear can make our circumstances look bigger than they really are and cause us to forget what we already know about God. Like Peter, we can begin with faith and still find ourselves overwhelmed when the storm gets loud.
And when you find yourself sinking in fear, uncertainty, or doubt, do you remember to call out to Jesus?
Peter did. When he realized he was sinking, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” And Jesus immediately reached out His hand. Peter didn’t have to figure out how to save himself before calling on Jesus. He simply called, and Jesus responded.
The Lesson
Peter stepped out of the boat because he trusted Jesus enough to take the first step. For a moment, he did something impossible because his focus was on the One who had called him.
But then Peter noticed the wind and the waves. The storm captured his attention, and fear took over. The storm hadn’t disappeared, but Jesus hadn’t left either. Peter simply changed what he was looking at.
Sometimes we do the same thing. We trust God, take a step of faith, and then something happens that gets our attention. A problem grows, circumstances change, or uncertainty surrounds us. Before long, we’re looking at the storm instead of the One who is with us in it.
Peter’s story doesn’t tell us that people of faith never become afraid. Peter was afraid. What it shows us is what we can do when fear comes. We can call out to Jesus.
Peter’s words were simple: “Lord, save me.”
And Jesus reached for him.
Maybe that’s what we need to remember when fear comes knocking. We don’t have to pretend the storm isn’t real. We don’t have to pretend we’re not afraid. We simply need to remember who is with us in the middle of it.
Pause and Pray
Take a moment and think about what may be frightening you right now.
Where has fear captured your attention?
Now take a breath and give that fear to God.
You don’t have to have the right words. Peter simply cried out, “Lord, save me.”
Sometimes that is enough.
Lord, help me keep my eyes on You. Amen.
I’ll see you Monday for another 15 Minutes with God.
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