Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 14:22-33 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. Verse 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, Verse 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. Verse 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. Verse 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. Verse 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Verse 28Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Verse 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. Verse 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Verse 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Verse 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Verse 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Devotion
We are so busy trying to look and be our best that we forget that it is often failure that leads to faith. Confession of faith is first a confession of who we are not: our own personal savior. What is more, when we try and fail we see our limits and come to understand more deeply that we must rely on Jesus. It is hard to commend Peter for trying to walk on water, I mean, who does that, really? But perhaps we can commend Peter for his failing and then his faith in Jesus. We have been freed by Christ to try and fail and given confidence that when we fall, Jesus is the one who lifts us up. Though, do wear a life jacket when trying to walk on water.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for the failures in my life. You have transformed my failures into faith and drawn me closer to you. When I fear and find the chaotic waters to be above my head, grant me courage to reach out to you.
Amen.