What steps can we take to strengthen our faith in challenging times? Stepping Out of the Boat “ ‘Come,’ said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” (Matthew 14:29) Peter’s single step onto the waves shows faith in motion. Strengthening our own faith begins the same way—by deciding to trust Jesus enough to act on His word. • Decide each morning to say “yes” to whatever Jesus asks. • Treat every obedience, no matter how small, as a literal step toward Him. • Remind yourself that faith grows by use (James 2:22). Keeping Eyes on Jesus, Not on the Waves We know from verse 30 that Peter sank when he “saw the wind.” The fastest way to weaken faith is to stare at the storm. • Fix attention on Christ’s character: unchanging (Hebrews 13:8) and sovereign (Colossians 1:17). • Limit the intake of fear-fueling voices; increase time in the Gospels, seeing how Jesus handles every crisis. • Memorize verses that magnify His reliability (Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 41:10). Crying Out, Not Tuning Out When Peter began to sink, he immediately cried, “Lord, save me!” (v. 30). Honest dependence strengthens trust. • Make short, frequent cries for help part of everyday life (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Refuse the lie that mature believers handle trouble solo; dependence is the mark of maturity (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). • Share needs with trusted believers so that corporate prayer reinforces individual faith (Galatians 6:2). Remembering His Rescue “Jesus reached out His hand and caught him” (v. 31). Yesterday’s deliverances fuel tomorrow’s confidence. • Keep a written record of God’s past interventions; review it when new storms arise (Deuteronomy 6:12). • Testify of those rescues to others; speaking of His faithfulness cements it in your heart (Psalm 71:15-16). • Celebrate answered prayer quickly, turning gratitude into worship (Luke 17:15-16). Feeding Faith With the Word “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Daily habits that fortify: 1. Read aloud—letting your ears hear truth. 2. Meditate—linger over phrases, asking, “What does this show me about Jesus?” 3. Apply—identify one concrete action per reading (James 1:22-25). Walking in Fellowship The disciples worshiped together after the wind ceased (Matthew 14:33). • Join gatherings where Scripture is honored and Jesus exalted (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serve alongside others; shared ministry cements bonds and multiplies faith (Philippians 1:27). • Invite accountability partners who will point you back to Christ when you falter (Proverbs 27:17). Anticipating the Next Step Storms are inevitable (John 16:33), yet every wave can become pavement beneath feet of faith. Keep stepping toward Jesus, eyes fixed, heart dependent, Word open, and fellowship close. The One who said “Come” still holds out His hand today. |
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