Step Out

Matthew 14:26-29 (NIV)

‘But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.’

There is a video that's been circulating on social media of a man standing on a rope bridge that's suspended above a gorge, legs shaking, looking terrified, clinging onto the thin rope with every ounce of his strength. The chorus of the song, ‘Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)’ by Hillsong United is playing in the background with the caption, ‘When I step out in faith’.  I am sure we can all relate to the moments when God has asked us to do something and it feels like we’re out of our depth with nothing but a rope bridge to cling onto.

In the sermon, ‘I am Number 12’, Pastor Dharius Daniels, speaking on these verses, talks about what the scene must have been like in the boat. Peter and the other disciples have just woken up and see a figure walking towards them. Jesus reassures them it is indeed him and Peter, ever the impulsive one, decides to try to walk on water. The other disciples probably laughed, mocked or looked at him as if he was crazy but Peter still stepped out.

We are reminded in these verses that when we first obey God and then step out in faith, God is with us and will catch us if we fall or falter. All we need to do is step out, even if it makes no sense, even if we are terrified, we can step out knowing that God is with us.

Prayer – Father, help us to drown out the noise and hear your voice speaking today and give us the confidence and courage to step out into the unknown.