Imagine you’re one of the disciples in the boat that night. You’ve been rowing for hours against the wind, exhausted when suddenly, you see something—or someone—walking toward you on the water.
Panic sets in. Is it a ghost? Your heart pounds as fear grips you. But then, the figure speaks:
"Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid." (Matthew 14:27)
It’s Jesus. Relief floods in, but before you can process what’s happening, Peter speaks up:
"Lord, if it’s really You, tell me to come to You on the water."
Wait—what?
Did Peter just say what I think he said?
Before anyone can stop him, Jesus replies with a single word:
"Come."
Peter swings his leg over the boat's edge and steps onto the water. And for a moment, he walks.
The boat falls silent. No one dares to breathe.
Peter is actually walking on water.
But then, the wind howls. His foot wobbles. You see it in his eyes—the shift from faith to fear. And suddenly, Peter begins to sink.
"Lord, save me!"
Before his head even goes under, Jesus immediately reaches out and grabs him.
"You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Jesus pulls Peter back up, and they climb into the boat together. The moment Jesus steps in, the storm dies down. The wind ceases. The waves calm.
A holy hush falls over you and the others.
You look at Peter—soaking wet, gasping for breath.
And then you look at Jesus.
For the first time, something clicks.
"Truly, You are the Son of God."
Faith in Action Inspires Faith in Others
Peter wasn’t the only one whose faith was tested that night. The disciples were watching. What they saw—the boldness, the doubt, the rescue, the miracle—changed them.
Faith is not just personal; it’s public. When you step out in faith, others are watching. Your faith walk can encourage someone else to trust God in their storm.
So, how can you walk in faith this week to strengthen others?
1. Be Willing to Step Out First
Peter wasn’t perfect, but he was bold. He took the risk, and because of that, the disciples witnessed something miraculous. Sometimes, God calls you to move first so that others can believe.
Faith Action:
Is there an area where you’ve been waiting for confirmation, but deep down, you know God is calling you to step out? Take that step this week. Your obedience could be the catalyst for someone else’s breakthrough.
2. Know That Your Faith Will Be Tested
Peter started strong, but he began to sink when he focused on the storm instead of Jesus. Faith isn’t about never having doubts—it’s about where you turn when they come.
Faith Action:
When you feel fear creeping in, don’t let it pull you under. Speak out loud: "Lord, I trust You!" Others will notice how you respond in difficult moments.
3. Remember That Jesus Is Always Near
The disciples saw that even when Peter messed up, Jesus immediately reached out and saved him. That moment wasn’t just for Peter—it was for everyone watching.
Faith Action:
This week, be intentional about sharing your testimony—big or small. Let others see how God has been faithful in your life.
4. Give Glory to God When the Storm Calms
When Jesus got in the boat, the storm stopped. And what did the disciples do? They worshiped. They saw, believed, and declared, "Truly, You are the Son of God."
Faith Action:
When you see God move in your life, don’t keep it to yourself. Praise Him publicly. Your faith will build the faith of those around you.
Who’s Watching Your Faith Walk?
Like the disciples watched Peter, people are watching how you live out your faith. Your family, coworkers, church, and even strangers are observing how you handle fear, risk, and trust in God.
Will your faith inspire them to believe?
This week, let your faith be seen. Step out of the boat. Trust that even if you start to sink, Jesus is near. And as you walk, others will begin to believe He truly is who He says He is.
Prayer for This Week:
"Lord, help me to live a life of faith that inspires others. Let my trust in You be visible, even in the storms. Give me the boldness to step out and the confidence to keep my eyes on You. Use my faith walk to strengthen the faith of those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
Now, take a moment to reflect:
What step of faith is God asking you to take this week? Who might be watching—and whose faith might be strengthened—because of your obedience?