Bold Faith in the Midst of the Storm

By Gabi Bemis

“When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ ‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’ And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.”—Matthew 14:26–36 (NIV)

In today’s passage, we find the disciples caught in a terrifying storm, when suddenly they come across an even more troubling sight—a figure walking on water in the midst of a stormy sea. Struck with fear, they cry out in terror, only to find out it’s Jesus. In this scene, Jesus demonstrates that He has the authority to dispel fear and bring comfort. Jesus is greater than our greatest fears, and nothing we face will ever be greater than Him.

If Jesus walking on water wasn’t crazy enough, Peter then displays a remarkable boldness of faith by asking to walk on the water with Him. His request reveals his trust in Jesus. Peter’s faith caused him to take action, and he did what no other disciple was able to do! Jesus invites us to put our faith in Him into action and to watch Him work miracles.

However, as Peter walks on the water, he begins to sink when he focuses on the wind and waves instead of Jesus. Likewise, when our eyes are set on our circumstances, we drown spiritually and emotionally as fear and despair set in. But when we set our hearts on the One who is with us and has authority over the storm, we remain immovable. David knew this well when he wrote, “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken,” (Psalm 62:1–2 NIV).

Upon witnessing Jesus' miraculous interventions, the disciples respond with awe and worship. This is a pivotal moment for the disciples, as they acknowledged Jesus not merely as a miracle worker, but as the Son of God. The people of Gennesaret who recognized Jesus sent word to others because they knew who Jesus was. This serves as the reminder that when we see Jesus for who He truly is, our only proper response is to stand in awe of Him and to go and tell others.

Like the disciples, maybe you’re in the middle of a storm. Take courage, friend. Jesus has not left you to drown. He walks toward us, not away from us, during difficulties. So, be assured: He is near, and His authority over fear can bring peace to even the most troubling circumstance.

Just as Jesus knew about the storm before sending the disciples into it, He also knows about the storms we face. And perhaps like Peter, our trials stand as an opportunity for us to exercise our faith and trust in the One who walks on water. How can you take a step of faith in the midst of your storm? With your eyes set on Jesus, you, too, will surely walk on the water.

Pause: Reflect on a situation in your life that seems impossible or a difficult situation you’re facing. How does today’s passage impact how you look at this problem?

Practice: Write down three characteristics of Jesus you see displayed in today’s passage. Then use them to complete the sentence: “Because Jesus has ____, I will _______ (i.e. “Because Jesus has authority over fear, I will find peace in Him.”).

Pray: Lord Jesus, I stand in awe of who You are. Nothing is too great or difficult for You, so I can trust that You will see me through this storm. Use this trial Lord to refine my character and to strengthen my faith. Give me faith to see You move! I believe in You, Jesus. I surrender it all to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!