E100 Bible Reading Challenge: The Miracles of Jesus, Walking on Water (62)

Matthew 14:22-36

Immediately he 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 towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, 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 towards 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 worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

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Imaginative Faith

KEY THOUGHT

The way to handle life’s problems is to stay focused on Jesus.

OVERVIEW

Some people think that becoming a Christian exempts them from life’s problems. Unfortunately, that’s not true. But no matter how bad things get, God never abandons us. Some point to Peter’s lack of faith on the lake (14.30, 31), but I would never have imagined that I could walk on water; I’d have stayed in the boat. Sometimes faith requires the

willingness to believe God can do things that seem impossible (Matthew 19.26). God will provide everything we need, when we need it, if we stay focused on him.

CHALLENGE

PROBLEMS ARE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO GET OUT THE BOAT AND FOLLOW JESUS.