Examine Yourselves

9 of 11 Pages

Fear or Faith

Faith to Walk on Water

The wind howled, the waves crashed, and the boat was being tossed violently. The disciples, gripped by fear, struggled to stay calm in the storm. Then, through the chaos, they saw a figure walking toward them on the water—it was Jesus.

“But He said to them, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid.’” — John 6:20

Even in the face of this miracle, fear still held most of them—except for one.

“Lord, if it’s really You,” Peter called out, “tell me to come to You on the water.” Jesus simply replied, “Come.” — Matthew 14:28–29

Peter believed. He stepped out of the boat, refusing to let fear hold him back. That day, Jesus was growing Peter, like a father guiding his son.

Today, many Christians remain in the boat—the boat of this world—where it feels more comfortable and less threatening. But in that comfort, we risk little, and we grow even less.

We’ve built a version of Christianity where miracles feel out of reach, more like distant legends than living possibilities. Walking on water, feeding the five thousand, parting the sea—these once-real events now sound to some like folklore rather than testimonies of God’s power.

No wonder faith feels weak. When we treat Scripture as symbolic tales instead of living truth, we quietly strip it of its authority.

What We Fear

When God calls us out of the boat, fear often stops us. Deep down, we wonder: Will God really show up?

We fear letting go of our “boat”—the comforts of this world, the relationships and securities we’ve built—because stepping toward Jesus means surrendering what feels safe. That kind of surrender feels risky.

We’re afraid we might sink, look foolish, or even fail in front of others who remain in their worldly boats. We fear losing approval, support, or stability. And so, many remain seated, safe—but stagnant.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” — 2 Timothy 1:7

The Miraculous Happens Outside the Boat

The miraculous doesn’t happen in the boat—it happens when we dare to step out in faith. That’s when God’s power breaks through the darkness, when His glory is revealed, and when salvation shines like a light to the world.

Peter stepped onto the water. For a moment, he walked—something no one thought possible. But when he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink. Still, Jesus was there, reaching out to lift him up.

The other disciples didn’t mock Peter. They had just seen a man walk on water. Even in his stumble, Peter displayed boldness the others lacked.

And that’s often how it is with us. When we step out, we may stumble, but Jesus is always near. If we’re mocked, it’s often by those convicted by the courage they themselves haven’t found.

The Cost of Staying in the Boat

In the end, Peter experienced the miraculous and found himself in the arms of Christ. Meanwhile, the others remained in the boat—spectators to a miracle they could have shared in.

I can’t help but wonder: how many of us today are still sitting in the boat, missing life-changing moments because we choose safety over faith?

I once made that mistake. God asked me to leave a church job, but fear of lacking provision kept me anchored. I stayed—and later lost the job anyway when the church collapsed. Staying in the boat felt safer, but it delayed the storm and deepened the loss.

The Church and the Boat

Today, many churches operate out of fear—fear of losing jobs, money, or members. Fear of being sued, challenged, or rejected. Fear of persecution or exposure. To feel safe, they trade faith for formula, predictability for the power of God.

But safety comes at a cost. It stunts spiritual growth, dilutes the witness of Christ, and dims the light in a world desperate for hope. A church that clings to comfort cannot be the salt and light Jesus called us to be.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” — Matthew 5:14

Summary