Daily Worship

Stepping out of the Boat

June 06, 2013 0 1

Matthew 14:22-31

Then Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people away. After sending the people away, he went up a hill by himself to pray. When evening came, Jesus was there alone; and by this time the boat was far out in the lake, tossed about by the waves, because the wind was blowing against it. Between three and six o'clock in the morning Jesus came to the disciples, walking on the water. When they saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. "It's a ghost!" they said, and screamed with fear. Jesus spoke to them at once. "Courage!" he said. "It is I. Don't be afraid!" Then Peter spoke up. "Lord, if it is really you, order me to come out on the water to you." "Come!" answered Jesus. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. "Save me, Lord!" he cried. At once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him and said, "What little faith you have! Why did you doubt?"

Lord Jesus, you invited Peter to step out of the boat; to leave a place of comfort and security, and take a step of faith even though filled with risk.  Are you asking me, today, to step out of the boat? 

Are you asking me

  • to serve you in a different way
  • to do something I would rather not do
  • to speak to someone I'd rather not speak to
  • to leave my comfort zone at your invitation? 

If your word to me is 'Come', help me to do it.  Help me not to be distracted by fear and anxiety, but to keep my eyes on you and know you are there to hold me.  AMEN.

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Written by Iain Goring
Balfron and Fintry Church of Scotland