The Upper Room Daily Devotion – Tuesday, 31 December 2013 “Take
the Step” Read Matthew 14: Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on
ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had
dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening
came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves,
was far from the land,[a] for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the
morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw
him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they
cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take
heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come
to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started
walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong
wind,[b] he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save
me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him,
“You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the
wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the
Son of God.”
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 14:24 Other ancient authorities read was out on the
sea
b. Matthew 14:30 Other ancient authorities read the wind
Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and
came toward Jesus.(Matthew 14:29 (NRSV))
Most of us are familiar with the scene depicted in the Bible
passage above. We may have read or heard it many times, but usually our focus
is on how Peter became afraid and started sinking. Today, I was introduced to
another perspective. We know that Peter became overwhelmed with fear; we all
can identify with that experience. But how many of us can identify with Peter’s
first action: taking a step? Taking that first step required courage, faith,
and risk. Sometimes we may feel like we’re in a storm with raging circumstances
surrounding us. We know God is there, but sometimes we’re too afraid to leave
the comfort of our boat to follow him. What if we choose to be like Peter and
take a step? We may be afraid, but we can find comfort when we pray and hear
God’s response: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” We may step out and
meet a flood of obstacles. But just as Peter was rescued, God will be there
with an extended hand to save us as well. We can trust God, take that step and
never look back. We will soon discover that one step can change the course of
our entire life.(The Author-Ciara Lilly (South Carolina, USA))
Thought for the Day: Like Peter, I can trust God and step out of
my boat.
Prayer: Mighty God, help us to take that first step toward you.
Let us experience your love and grace as we walk in relationship with you each
day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Prayer focus: Those fearful of change
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