Faith That Grows

 

October 24, 2025

Matthew 14:30–31 

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.” 

 

It Sounds like the night was wild. The disciples were caught in a storm, straining against the wind in a small fishing boat. Then, through the darkness, they saw someone walking toward them on the water. Terrified, they thought it was a ghost. But then came a familiar voice: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Peter’s responds, “Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come.” And Jesus did. For a few steps, Peter did the impossible, he walked on water. But then his eyes drifted from Jesus to the wind. That's correct "the Wind" not the waves is what caused fear to take over, and down he went.  Interesting isn't it?   After all wind is invisible, right? Ah, but its effects are visible, it moves the waves, rocks the boat, and pushes against Peter as he takes a couple steps on the water. So I believe when Matthew says Peter saw the wind, he’s describing Peter noticing the invisible force behind what was happening around him.

Peter’s fear didn’t arise from what he could see (the waves), but from sensing the power behind what he saw. I believe that is what we experience too, our fear often comes not just from visible problems, but from the unseen pressures, the “forces” we can not control or predict.

Peter suddenly became aware of the full force of what he was up against and that awareness overwhelmed him.  

What happened next is what faith looks like in real life. Jesus didn’t scold him for sinking. He reached out, caught him, and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Not as condemnation, but as invitation. Faith wasn’t about perfection, it was about presence. I feel what Peter learned was that trust grows not from never falling, no, trust grows from being lifted again by the One who never lets go of us. Faith doesn’t mean you’ll never fear again. It means that, even when fear rises, you choose to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Each step, becomes a lesson in His grace.

You see, faith matures through moments just like Peter’s, through the tension between fear and courage, failure and grace. It’s in those spaces that we learn trust is alive. Do you no what I mean? Sometimes faith looks like stepping out on the water. Other times, it’s crying out, “Lord, save me.” Both responses can grow us deeper into the heart of God.

I remember reading the words of a mountain climbing instructor who said, “The most important skill isn’t learning how to climb, it’s learning to trust the rope.” The rope remains steady, even when your grip falters. For us today, maybe the lesson is that faith isn’t about how tightly we cling but about the strength of the One who holds us.

I wonder, where might God be calling you (and me) to step out of the boat, not because we feel ready, but because we trust His voice?

Let's Pray

Jesus, help me look beyond the wind and waves and guide me to walk in faith toward You. When fear overwhelms me, reach out and pull me up again. Build my trust, not in my own strength to stay afloat, but in Your power to carry me through. Amen.