Compare Peter's experience to other biblical figures who faced fear. Peter’s Eyes on the Waves—Matthew 14:30 “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ ” • Peter begins in bold faith, literally walking on water toward Jesus (vv. 28-29). • The moment his eyes shift from the Lord to the wind, fear overwhelms faith and he sinks. • His immediate cry—“Lord, save me!”—shows that even faltering faith can still reach for Christ. Fear on Familiar Ground—Other Saints in Similar Storms • Israel at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10-14) – “They were terrified and cried out to the LORD” (v. 10). – Moses redirects them to “stand firm and see the salvation of the LORD” (v. 13). – Like Peter, they are caught between obedience (leaving Egypt) and a threatening scene (Pharaoh’s army + sea). • Gideon in the winepress (Judges 6:11-16) – Hiding from the Midianites, he asks, “But how can I deliver Israel? … I am the least” (v. 15). – The LORD responds, “Surely I will be with you” (v. 16). – Fear focuses on personal inadequacy; faith rests on God’s abiding presence. • Elijah under the broom tree (1 Kings 19:3-4, 11-13) – “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life” (v. 3). – God meets him not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in “a gentle whisper” (v. 12). – The prophet’s eyes are lifted from Jezebel’s threat to God’s still, steady voice. • Jonah fleeing to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3, 17; 2:9-10) – Fear of Nineveh’s repentance (and perhaps their cruelty) drives disobedience. – From the fish’s belly he confesses, “Salvation comes from the LORD” (2:9). – Obedience resumes once fear yields to reverence. • Disciples in another storm (Mark 4:37-40) – “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (v. 38). – Jesus calms the sea, then asks, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (v. 40). – The same voice that steadies Peter above the water stills the storm beneath the boat. Threads That Tie These Stories Together • A divine call precedes every crisis. – Peter: “Come.” – Israel: “Go forward.” – Gideon: “Go in this strength of yours.” – Elijah: “What are you doing here?” – Jonah: “Arise, go to Nineveh.” • Fear arises when eyes shift from the Caller to the circumstances. • Rescue comes through renewed focus on the LORD’s presence and power, not on self-effort. • Each account affirms Psalm 34:4—“I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Take-Home Encouragements • Step out, but keep looking at Jesus. The same command that sends you sustains you. • Expect opposition; waves, armies, or inner doubts do not nullify God’s word. • Cry out quickly. Peter’s brief prayer saved precious seconds and his life. • Remember past deliverances; Scripture catalogs them so we can borrow courage. • Trust the Lord to lift, calm, whisper, or redirect as needed—He never wastes a storm. |
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