Life often feels like a stormy sea, with unexpected winds and waves that threaten to toss us off course. In these moments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and even afraid. But just as Jesus came walking on the water to meet His disciples in the midst of their storm, He comes to us in our own storms—present, powerful, and ready to lift us above what should have drowned us. The story of Peter stepping out of the boat in Matthew 14:28-33 is a vivid reminder that faith does not wait for calm seas. Peter’s journey began with a bold request, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Even though the storm was still raging, Peter stepped out at Jesus’ word, showing us that faith is not the absence of fear, but the courage to move forward despite it.
There are three main obstacles that often keep us from walking above our storms: uncertainty, fear and distraction, and doubt. Uncertainty can paralyze us, making us question whether God is truly speaking or if He will come through for us. The solution is to cultivate intimacy with God, learning to recognize His voice through daily time in the Word and prayer. When we know His voice, we can step out confidently, even when the way forward is unclear.
Fear and distraction are powerful forces that shift our focus from Christ to our circumstances. Fear magnifies the wind and minimizes the Word, but when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we find the strength to keep moving forward, even when the storm doesn’t immediately subside. The enemy’s strategy is often not to destroy us outright, but to distract us—so we must be vigilant to keep our attention on Christ.
Doubt interrupts faith and causes us to sink, but it is not a sign of faithlessness. Rather, it is a call to refocus and remember what God has already done. Recalling past victories fuels present faith. When we feel ourselves sinking, like Peter, we must cry out honestly and simply, “Lord, save me.” God responds quickly to sincere faith, and His grace is always faster than fear can sink us.
No matter the storm—be it health, finances, family, or any other area—God’s hand is stretched out to lift us up. We are called to step out of our comfort zones, keep our eyes on Jesus, and trust that He will not let us drown. As we rehearse God’s promises rather than our fears, we will find ourselves walking above the very things that once threatened to overwhelm us.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Faith steps out before the storm calms Faith is not about waiting for perfect conditions; it’s about trusting God’s word even when the winds are still raging. Peter stepped out onto the water while the storm was ongoing, showing that obedience often requires us to move forward in uncertainty. The safest place is not always the most logical one, but the place where Jesus calls us. [38:17]
- 2. Intimacy with God overcomes uncertainty Uncertainty can paralyze our obedience, but learning to recognize God’s voice through daily relationship builds confidence. Just as a child knows their parent’s voice, we grow in discernment by spending time in the Word and prayer. This intimacy enables us to step out in faith, even when the way is unclear. [41:16]
- 3. Focus on Christ, not the circumstances Fear and distraction magnify the storm and minimize God’s promises. Whatever captures our attention controls our direction, so we must intentionally fix our eyes on Jesus. Even when the storm persists, focusing on Christ keeps us moving forward and prevents us from being overwhelmed by fear. [49:26]
- 4. Remember past victories to overcome doubt Doubt interrupts faith, but recalling what God has already done fuels our confidence for today’s challenges. Like David remembering the lion and the bear before facing Goliath, we must keep a record of God’s faithfulness. This practice helps us refocus and call on Jesus when doubt tries to sink us. [55:29]
- 5. Cry out honestly—grace responds quickly When we feel ourselves sinking, the most powerful prayer is often the simplest: “Lord, save me.” God is not looking for eloquence but for sincerity. His grace is ready to lift us up the moment we call, and our weakness is the very place where His strength is made perfect. [62:11]
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