Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 14:22–33
One summer, during a family vacation at the beach, my brother-in-law took us out on his speedboat for a fun day on the water. I was at ease cruising the gentle waters of Mission Bay near my home in San Diego, watching my kids water-ski off the back as I soaked in the sun. I was in my comfort zone and living my best life!
However, on this particular day, unbeknownst to me, my brother-in-law decided to change the plan. All of a sudden, we were leaving the calm waters of the bay and headed toward the unpredictable waves of the Pacific Ocean. As we hit the open waters, my heart raced, and I lost all confidence in his ability to maneuver the vessel. The boat that had once felt safe in the confines of the bay—where I could see the beach—was now heaving over the waves and felt small and vulnerable. “This will be fun!” my brother-in-law insisted, while I clung to the handrail in fear and grabbed my life vest.
Immediately my perspective shifted from comfort to chaos. I didn’t want to be tossed about by the powerful waves of the ocean. I wanted to return to what I knew, the calm and safe waters of the bay. And it was this moment that came to mind as I was reading this Sunday’s gospel, where we find the apostles, not in a speedboat on the Pacific, but in a boat just the same, and facing a treacherous storm.
Prayer Prepares and Sustains
We enter this gospel passage with the disciples on the boat, but Jesus—their life vest—is not with them. Rather, He was spending time alone, in prayer with God. I imagine that after ministering to such a large crowd, Jesus needed quiet time alone with His Father to replenish His strength and to thank Him for the ways He had shown up and revealed Himself to so many needy and hungry people. This emphasizes for us the importance of staying close to God and making daily prayer non-negotiable, not just when we are facing storms, but before, during, and after.
My family and I always pray before long road trips and when making big decisions. I was praying that day on the boat. But am I praying only about the risky and perceived dangers or about the things I want from God? There have been moments in my life when prayer didn’t change my circumstances but brought me peace and clarity in the midst of them—like when a Scripture passage comes to mind right when I need it. How might our faith look different if we prioritized regular prayer time with Jesus, especially before challenges arise?
The Storms of Life
Each decade of my life has shown me that while storms are unpredictable, one thing remains certain: they will occur. (If you doubt that reality, just tune into The Weather Channel; it is available 24/7). Whether we want to or not, we cannot foresee what the future holds. Life often pulls us out of our comfort zone, even when we feel prepared. Challenges such as illness, job loss, moving, and relationship issues can shake us up. Like the disciples in the boat, we can feel terrified by our circumstances (Matthew 14:26).
Waiting for God to Show Up
As I continued to read and pray through this gospel, I wondered why it took Jesus so long to show up. We read, “Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea” (Matthew 14:24–25). The fourth watch is the time between 3 and 6 am, the darkest and most tiring hours; the hours when hope is hardest to hold onto.
Waiting in the darkness of uncertainty can be so hard. Maybe, like me, you’ve wondered if help would ever come. My friend, these challenging moments in darkness can test our faith, bringing doubts, frustrations, and questions. Have you ever cried out, Where are you, Lord; don’t you see what is going on? Yet Scripture assures us that Jesus sees us in our storms, and He always comes at the right time, even if it’s not our preferred timing.
When Our Faith May Falter
At first, Peter shows courage and bravery as he steps out of the boat and walks on the water. However, the moment he notices the strength of the wind, he begins to sink. Peter takes his eyes off Jesus, and his faith begins to falter. This reality resonates with me because faith and doubt often coexist.
It’s so easy for me to let go and trust God when my life is sailing smoothly, but when storms arrive, I can lose focus. My eyes go directly to the waves and to how I can keep myself from sinking. My eyes are on myself, not on my Savior. But Peter teaches us that our momentary doubts do not disqualify us. As he is descending into the waves, he calls, “Lord, save me!” and, “Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him” (Matthew 14:31–32).
Looking back on the storms I have faced in my life is a powerful reminder and confirmation of all the ways the Lord has shown up for me and my family. While none of these times were easy or comfortable, I can see how they strengthened my faith and trust. Like the day I went on that boat ride on the ocean, I returned to the safety of the shore. As exhilarated as I was to be back on solid ground, I was glad for the experience that pushed me to face a bit of fear, and I remembered it the next time I faced unpredictable waves. The storms of life are scary and unsettling, but we do not face them alone. Even in our moments of doubt, Jesus is there, reaching out His hand to us.
I don’t know what storm you’re facing today, but I pray you’ll sense Jesus reaching for your hand, just as He did for Peter—and for me.
Oh daughter, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31).
Facing the storms with you,
Karen
Food for thought or journaling …
What storm are you facing today? Do you find it easy to turn to Jesus, or is your focus on the waves?
Jesus, You allowed Peter to walk on water during the storm. Show me that You are always there with me when I face trials in my life. Help me keep my eyes focused on You, not on my circumstances. Amen.
