Overcoming Fear Day 4
WEEK 1 DEVOTIONAL
WALKING ON WATER
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 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. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Matthew 14:22-33
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, their concept of Him was that He was a man like them, so they assumed He must be a ghost and they were terrified.
PRAYER:
Lord, where have I put You in a box? Where is my thinking too small? Where is my understanding of who You are so small that I can’t conceive of what You are doing? Open my eyes to see those places. You said to the disciples, “Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid.” When Peter saw that it was You, he had courage. He got out of the boat and walked toward You. Lord, help me to see You clearly and help me to respond like Peter did. The other disciples stayed in the boat, but Peter got out and walked towards You. Lord, I think if I was there, I would have stayed in the boat until I saw Peter walking on the water and then I would have said, “Can I have a turn? Can I go next?” I don’t see You and then just go for it; I hold back and watch to see what others are doing.
I ask, “Is that really You?” and then I wait and watch. I repent. I don’t want to look at others before I take a step. I want to see You and respond. Help me to be like Peter and step out on the water. Lord, are You walking somewhere or doing something that I’m afraid of? Is there an area that I’m hesitating, that I’m waiting to see the response of others before I’ll move? Peter walked towards You. I want to always walk towards You. Then he saw the wind and he became afraid and started to sink, but he immediately cried out to You and You saved him. Lord, if I step out and walk towards You, I do not have to be afraid because even if the circumstances get scary, I just have to cry out to You, and You will rescue me. They got into the boat and the wind ceased. You are in control of the wind. I do not have to fear. You are God! I worship You!