There’s an interesting thing I noticed when I was reading Matthew 14:22-32. This is the passage where the disciples set out in a boat to go to the other side ahead of Jesus. While crossing, they are buffeted by wind and waves. Then they see Jesus walking on the water and are scared, thinking it’s a ghost. Jesus told them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid (verse 27).” Here’s where it gets interesting.
On Jesus’ command, Peter steps out of the boat and walks on water, but begins to sink when he becomes frightened by the wind. “Lord, save me (30)!” Peter cried out. “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt (31)?’” What happens next surprised me. Jesus did not immediately stop the wind and the waves, but instead guides Peter back into boat. The next verse tells us, “When they got into the boat, the wind stopped (32).”
So often when wind and waves buffet our life, we pray to God to stop the storm. We see Jesus walking near us, but our fear takes over. We focus on the storm instead of Jesus and find ourselves sinking into the depths. That’s when Jesus extends his hand to us. He doesn’t stop the storm, but takes hold of us and guides us through the wind and the waves to the safety of the boat. He sits with us in the boat and shows us He is in control. With Jesus we have nothing to fear.
© 2022, Chris G Thelen
Thanks to praise2worship.net and the post http://praise2worship.net/2022/03/24/getting-back-in-the-boat-2/ for inspiring this post.
And He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?” – Luke 8:25 (NASB)
The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. – Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)
140 Character Christian 
As the song puts it, “Sometimes He calms the storm, other times He calms His child.”
Great tie in. Thanks. Blessings.
Great post. Seems like you caught the nugget of truth I tossed out and advanced it up the field for another first down!
Until I recently reread this passage I always missed that point. I love how scripture continues to speak to us in new ways in passages we’ve read many times before. Blessings.
I love this. Thanks for pointing it out.
Thanks for reading. Blessings.
Great reminder of our Lord’s faithfulness especially in the storms. Amen!
Praise God for His steadfast love, our refuge and strength! Blessings.
Trust Him when things are easy and when they are hard.
Well said. It’s when things are going well that I am prone to want to trust in myself. As you point out, we need to trust him at all times and keep our focus on God. Blessings.
Praise God! He is with us through the storms!
Indeed! “He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark (Psalm 91:4, NASB).” Blessings to you.