Hello Fear: I’m Here to Conquer Youنموونە

Courage Comes from Trust

When Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water in Matthew 14:22–33, fear struck him as the waves started rising around him. But Jesus reached out and caught him. Even in fear, Jesus was right there. He was teaching Peter to trust in the face of the unknown.

Peter’s story reminds us that fear is often loudest when we take a step of faith. In verse 29, Jesus called Peter to do something impossible. He wanted him to walk on water. Peter did until the fear of the waves stole his focus. It wasn’t the water itself that failed him; it was his trust. The wind, the waves, and his surroundings felt more real than Jesus’ invitation to come. But even as Peter began to sink, in verse 31, Jesus immediately reached out and rescued him. This is God’s heart toward you too.

I have had several instances in my life where fear caused me to take my eyes off of Jesus. I was afraid, and everything around me was speaking to my fears and insecurities. As it grew into years of challenges, gripping fear put a stronghold on my mind and emotions. I was so frustrated and thought that God had abandoned me. However, it was actually quite the opposite.

For three years, this test of trust caused mental and physical anxiety. The long test caused my faith to diminish and my trust in God to be almost depleted. My faith and hope were buried in the soil. What God was teaching me was obedience and trust. It was one of the hardest lessons to walk through.

I realized that every time I made the decision to trust Jesus and step toward Him, fear had no choice but to loosen its grip. So, even if your faith wavers and you feel yourself going under, God’s hand is already reaching for you. Courage grows where trust is planted. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us that God says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”

I encourage you to fix your eyes on Jesus. He is greater than the storm, and fear will begin to look very small. Fear may come as the waves rise, but Jesus is near and is holding you up as you step into greater faith.

You will have to identify the “storm” and call it out. Then, with fear still at the helm, step into faith. Courage grows where trust is planted, but trust is built one step at a time. Peter learned that Jesus is never far from those who call out to Him, just as Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”

It wasn’t the water itself that failed him; it was his trust. The wind, the waves, and his surroundings felt more real than Jesus’ invitation to come. Psalm 56:3 reminds us that “when we are afraid, we can put our trust in Him.” Peter had to do the same.

Hebrews 12:2 calls Him “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” He is greater than the storm, and fear will begin to look very small. Fear may come as the waves rise, but Jesus is near and is holding you up as you step into greater faith.

Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus,
Thank You that You see me when the storm is loud and my faith seems small. You hear the silent cries buried beneath anxiety, disappointment, and fear. Just like You reached for Peter when he was sinking, I am asking that You reach for me right in the middle of my doubt.

Forgive me for the times I’ve let the waves of life seem bigger than You. For the times I’ve clung to fear more tightly than faith. I confess that I’ve wrestled with trusting You when the wait is long, the test is hard, and the silence is deafening.

Today, I surrender my fear, my insecurity, and the need to control every outcome. I step toward You, even if my steps are shaky, because I believe You are faithful to catch me.

You are greater than any storm, louder than any fear, and closer than the next breath I take. Help me walk in that truth.

In Your mighty name I pray,
Amen.