Sunday, August 9, 2026
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:22-33
Out on open water in a boat is no joke. Even the most seasoned sailor can get caught far from the land when a storm blows up. No matter how many charts and forecasts we watch, storms will surprise us and threaten our lives. Such was this night when the disciples were out on open water and a storm blew up. The were unprepared and afraid, praying for a miracle, since they could not make it to safety. Jesus walks on the water to them, and Peter jumps in and starts to Jesus. Peter gets distracted by the storms and troubles of life, takes his focus away from Jesus and starts to sink. Like all of us, when the storms are wicked and we are afraid, we take our focus off of Jesus. Yet, even in those moments, Jesus reaches out a hand and pulls us in, calming the present storm.
Wonderful Creator, author of calm seas and bright stars
you give us your amazing love so we might navigate all storms.
Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.
Despite all the times you have seen us back to shore
we panic when we are left alone and troubles come knocking.
Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.
We think you have abandoned us when you are at hand
reaching out to craw us back into safety and home.
Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.
When we lose sight of land and the safety of the harbor
we can believe you are punishing us and testing our faith.
Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.
We fail to see you with us in our darkest nights and we cry
like small children who cannot find our way back to safety.
Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.
Make us strong, Lord, so we might be your disciples here
and share your love with those who are sinking in these storms.
Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times. Amen.
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