A Peter walking on water devotional turns to the moment Peter began to sink. Matthew 14:30 says he cried out, “Lord, save me,” and in the next verse Jesus caught hold of him at once. Even when our faith wavers, Jesus is quick to rescue those who call on him.
Key Verse
“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’” (Matthew 14:30, ESV)
Stepping Out
The disciples were rowing against the wind at night when Jesus came toward them across the water. Seeing him, they assumed he was a ghost. Jesus told them to take heart. Peter said that if it was really Jesus, he should command him to come.
Jesus said, Come. Matthew tells us Peter stepped over the side and actually walked on the water toward Jesus (Matthew 14:29).
Seeing the Wind
Then Peter saw the wind and was afraid. His circumstances had not changed. The wind was blowing the whole time. What changed was where he looked. His eyes moved from Jesus to the storm, and he began to sink.
We know that pattern. We start strong in faith and then a bad report, a bill, or a hard conversation pulls our eyes off Jesus.
The Shortest Prayer
Peter’s prayer was three words: Lord, save me. No polished language. Just desperate trust. That is enough. When you are out of words, those three still work.
Immediately
Matthew says Jesus grabbed hold of him right away (Matthew 14:31). He did not wait to see if Peter would learn a lesson by going under. He grabbed him. Then he asked why he doubted.
Jesus’ question was not cruel. It was an invitation to remember that the one holding him was stronger than the wind.
Little Faith Still Gets Out of the Boat
Peter is called a man of little faith, but he was also the only one who walked on water. Small, wobbly faith in a strong Savior is still real faith. Jesus does not abandon sinking disciples.
Once Jesus and Peter were back with the others, the wind died down, and the disciples worshiped Jesus as the Son of God.
Sinking is not the end of the story. Peter’s failure became the place where he learned how quickly Jesus saves. Your moments of doubt can become the same kind of lesson.
Today, Try This
Identify the wind that is drawing your eyes away from Jesus right now. Each time you notice it this week, pray Peter’s words, Lord, save me, and fix your mind on a promise of Jesus.
Reflection Question
What storm is pulling your focus away from Jesus, and how can you look to him again today?
Prayer
Lord, I want to step out in faith, but I often see the wind and start to sink. Thank you that you reach out immediately when I cry out. Strengthen my little faith and help me keep my eyes on you. Save me, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Matthew 14:30-31 teach?
In Matthew 14:30-31 (ESV), Peter starts to sink when he fears the wind, cries out to Jesus, and Jesus immediately rescues him. It teaches that Jesus saves even those with wavering faith.
Why did Peter sink?
Peter began to sink when he noticed the wind and became afraid. His focus moved from Jesus to the storm around him.
What can we learn from Peter walking on water?
We learn to step out when Jesus calls, to keep our eyes on him, to cry out when we struggle, and to trust that he will reach out to save us.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Bible verses about faith
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: Jesus Calms the Storm Devotional
- Related: Bible Verses About Doubt