Stepping Out in Faith: Embracing God's Faithfulness

Summary

Today, we reflected on the faithfulness of God through the stories of Mary, David, and especially Peter, who dared to step out of the boat and walk on water at Jesus’ invitation. The same God who answered prayers and provided for His people in the past is still present and active in our lives today. We are reminded that God’s faithfulness is not just a story from long ago, but a living reality that we can stand on, especially when we face our own “giants” or storms.

As we revisited the night when the disciples struggled against the wind on the Sea of Galilee, we saw how Jesus came to them in their fear, walking on the water and calling out, “It is I, do not be afraid, be strong.” Peter’s willingness to step out onto the waves, even with trembling faith, shows us that faith is not about having it all together or being fearless. Rather, it’s about trusting the One who calls us, even when the risks seem great and the outcome is uncertain.

Peter’s experience teaches us that faith is not measured by its size, but by its object. Even “little faith” can move mountains when it is placed in Jesus. Sometimes, we may falter or begin to sink when we take our eyes off Him, but Jesus is always ready to reach out and lift us up. He invites us to take risks, to step out of our comfort zones, and to trust Him with the unknown.

We also considered Peter’s later vision in Jaffa, where God challenged him to welcome those who were once considered outsiders. This vision was not just about food, but about opening our hearts and communities to people who are different from us. True discipleship means being willing to take risks—not only in following Jesus personally, but also in loving and including others, even when it feels uncomfortable.

As we go into our week, may we be brave and take risks for God’s kingdom, trusting that He is with us, giving us strength and courage. Let us shine the light of Jesus into the world, knowing that He is always faithful and always near.

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Key Takeaways

- God’s Faithfulness Is Unchanging
The same God who provided for Mary, David, and the disciples is present with us today. His faithfulness is not a relic of the past but a living foundation we can stand on, especially in times of uncertainty or fear. When we remember how God has answered prayers before, it gives us confidence to trust Him now. [45:24]

- Faith Means Risking the Unknown
Peter’s decision to step out of the boat was not because he was fearless, but because he trusted Jesus’ call. True faith often requires us to leave the safety of what we know and risk stepping into the unknown, believing that Jesus is with us. It is better to risk getting “wet” in obedience than to remain paralyzed by fear in the boat. [52:27]

- The Object of Our Faith Matters More Than Its Size
Jesus taught that even a little faith, when placed in Him, can accomplish great things. We don’t need to muster up superhuman faith; we simply need to trust the One who is faithful. Our confidence comes not from the strength of our belief, but from the strength of our Savior. [55:15]

- Discipleship Means Welcoming the Outsider
Peter’s vision in Jaffa challenged him to embrace those who were different, breaking down barriers that had kept people apart. Following Jesus means being willing to include and love those who may not look, act, or believe like us. This kind of risk-taking hospitality is at the heart of the gospel and the mission of the church. [07:43]

- Jesus Is Always Ready to Lift Us Up
When Peter began to sink, Jesus immediately reached out to save him. In our own moments of doubt, fear, or failure, Jesus is always near, ready to help and restore us. Our journey of faith will have ups and downs, but we can be assured that we are never alone—He is always reaching out His hand. [54:31]

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[44:37] - Calling on the God of Mary and David
[45:24] - God’s Faithfulness Through the Ages
[46:01] - God’s Power and Provision
[47:23] - Standing on God’s Faithfulness
[48:27] - The Disciples on the Windy Sea
[49:48] - Jesus Walks on Water
[51:02] - Jesus’ Voice: “Do Not Be Afraid”
[52:27] - Peter Steps Out in Faith
[53:46] - Sinking and Being Lifted by Jesus
[55:15] - Faith Like a Mustard Seed
[56:46] - Praying for Courage and Trust
[58:56] - Worship: “Jesus We Love You”
[01:05:11] - The Vision in Jaffa: Welcoming the Outsider
[01:09:29] - Three Acts of Risk-Taking Discipleship
[01:10:46] - Glow-in-the-Dark Crosses: Shining Jesus’ Light
[01:11:25] - Benediction and Sending Forth

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: God’s Faithfulness and Risk-Taking Faith

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### Bible Reading

- Matthew 14:22-33 (Jesus walks on water; Peter steps out in faith)
- Acts 10:9-23 (Peter’s vision in Jaffa about welcoming outsiders)

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### Observation Questions

1. When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, how did they react at first, and what did Jesus say to them? ([51:02])
2. What did Peter do when he heard Jesus’ voice, and what happened when he started to sink? ([53:46])
3. In Peter’s vision in Jaffa, what was unusual about the food he saw, and what did Jesus tell him to do? ([01:06:23])
4. According to the sermon, what decision did the early church make after Peter’s vision? ([01:07:43])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Peter was willing to step out of the boat, even though he was afraid? What does this say about the nature of faith? ([52:27])
2. When Peter began to sink, Jesus immediately reached out to help him. What does this teach us about Jesus’ response to our moments of doubt or fear? ([54:31])
3. Peter’s vision challenged him to welcome people who were different from him. Why was this a risk for Peter, and what does it reveal about following Jesus? ([01:07:43])
4. The sermon said, “Faith is not about how much you have, but who you put it in.” How does this idea challenge the way people usually think about faith? ([55:15])

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### Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you felt God calling you to do something that felt risky or uncomfortable. Did you step out, or did you stay “in the boat”? What would it look like to take a step of faith this week? ([52:27])
2. Are there areas in your life right now where you feel like you’re “sinking” or losing focus on Jesus? What practical steps can you take to keep your eyes on Him? ([53:46])
3. The sermon talked about welcoming outsiders and including people who are different from us. Is there someone in your life or community who you find hard to welcome? What is one thing you could do to reach out to them this week? ([01:07:43])
4. When you remember God’s faithfulness in the past, how does it help you trust Him with your current challenges? Can you share a specific example? ([45:24])
5. The sermon said, “It’s better to risk getting wet in obedience than to stay paralyzed by fear in the boat.” What is one area where fear is holding you back from obeying God? What would it look like to take a small risk for God’s kingdom? ([55:55])
6. Peter’s story shows that even “little faith” can do great things when it’s placed in Jesus. Is there something you feel too weak or unqualified to do for God? How can you trust Him with your “little faith” this week? ([55:15])
7. The church decided to include people who were once considered outsiders. How can our small group or church become more welcoming to people who might feel left out or different? ([01:07:43])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to take risks for God, for eyes to see those who need to be welcomed, and for trust in God’s faithfulness no matter what storms they face.

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Faithfulness Remains Unchanging
No matter the season or circumstance, God’s faithfulness endures from generation to generation. He is the same God who heard the cries of His people in the past, provided for their needs, healed their wounds, and answered their prayers—and He continues to do so today. When you feel uncertain or overwhelmed, you can stand firm on the unshakable foundation of His faithfulness, trusting that He will not abandon you. His character does not shift with the winds of change; He is steadfast, reliable, and always present, inviting you to lean on Him in every moment. [45:24]

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to remember and rely on God’s unchanging faithfulness today?


Day 2: Stepping Out in Faith—Even When Afraid
Taking a step of faith often means moving forward even when you feel afraid or uncertain. Like Peter stepping out of the boat onto the water, you may not know what will happen next, but when you hear Jesus calling, He invites you to trust Him and take the risk. It’s not about having perfect confidence or never feeling fear; it’s about choosing to act in faith, believing that Jesus is with you and will catch you if you falter. Sometimes, the greatest miracles happen when you dare to leave the safety of the boat and follow His voice. [52:27]

Matthew 14:28-29 (ESV)
"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."

Reflection: What is one “boat” of comfort or safety that Jesus might be calling you to step out of this week?


Day 3: It’s Not the Size of Your Faith, But Who It’s In
Faith isn’t about having a huge, unshakeable confidence all the time; even a little faith, when placed in Jesus, can move mountains. Jesus reminds us that it’s not the quantity of our faith that matters, but the object of our faith—Himself. When you focus on Jesus and trust in His power rather than your own strength, you can take bold steps and experience God doing amazing things through you, even if your faith feels small. [55:15]

Matthew 17:20 (ESV)
"He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.'"

Reflection: Where do you feel your faith is “little” right now, and how can you shift your focus from your faith’s size to Jesus’ power?


Day 4: Welcoming Those Who Are Different
God’s invitation extends beyond our comfort zones, calling us to welcome and embrace people who are different from us. Just as Peter was challenged to invite Gentiles into fellowship, we are called to open our hearts and communities to those who may not look, act, or believe exactly as we do. This kind of hospitality and risk-taking love reflects the heart of Jesus, who breaks down barriers and invites all people to belong. [07:43]

Acts 10:34-35 (ESV)
"So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'"

Reflection: Who is someone in your life or community that you tend to keep at a distance, and what is one step you can take to welcome them this week?


Day 5: Bravery in Everyday Discipleship
Being a disciple of Jesus means saying yes to brave, everyday acts—standing up for what’s right, showing kindness to the lonely, or sharing your faith even when it feels risky. Jesus promises to be with you in every situation, giving you strength and courage when you feel weak or afraid. When you trust Him and take risks for His sake, you become a light in the world, shining His love into dark places and making a difference wherever you go. [58:09]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Reflection: What is one brave thing you sense God asking you to do today, and how can you rely on His presence as you take that step?

Quotes