You may be familiar with the story in Matthew 14 about Peter walking on the water. If not, I’ll give you a little explanation. Jesus had just ministered to a multitude of people. At the end of the day, he sent the apostles away on a ship while he went up to a mountain and prayed. Late that night, the ship was in the middle of the sea being tossed by waves and winds. The apostles saw something walking towards them and they feared. Jesus let them know that it was him and Peter asked that, if it was really Jesus, he could walk out to him on the water. Jesus said “come” and Peter walked on the water towards Jesus. As soon as he lost focus on Jesus and noticed the storm around him, he sank. He cried out for help and Jesus immediately reached out his hand to Peter for help.

There are so many things to learn from this story, something that stood out to me today that has never struck me before is the courage that Peter had to leave the boat. Peter did what nobody else did. Or what anybody had ever done before. He got out of the boat that was keeping him safe, and he walked on water towards Jesus. He chose something different than everyone around him. To ease his fears, instead of waiting for Jesus to get to the ship, he did whatever he had to do to reach Jesus as quickly as he could. He left all comforts, safety, and friends, to reach the ultimate comfort, safety, and friend.

Peter left the boat. In the middle of a storm, Peter left the boat because he had courage to do something scary and new. Peter experienced a miracle that he couldn’t have done without that vulnerability, faith, and maybe a little bit of desperation.

How many miracles could we have if we just left the boat.

What could we gain for all the things we are willing to lose?

What would you be willing to risk to walk closer with the Savior?

What miracle do you think he has waiting for you if you step outside the boat and stop following the crowd?

Jesus thought outside the box. Jesus walked outside the boat.

What stood out to you from Matthew 14?