Faith–Jump in Feet Firstđź‘Ł
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
In this season of my walk with Jesus, He has been leading me to believe by faith and not by sight. He is calling me to trust Him even when I do not fully see or understand what He is doing. When I think of these moments of faith—raw, reckless, surrendered faith—I think of Peter stepping out of the boat.
We often remember Peter’s failure in this story—his sinking, his doubt. However, what about his courage to step out onto the water in the first place? What about the sheer audacity of faith that led him to step forward while the waves still raged?
Let’s dive into this moment with Matthew’s account at the forefront while also looking at how Mark and John recall this miraculous event.
Matthew’s Account: Peter’s Bold Step of Faith (Matthew 14:22-33, AMP)
Matthew gives us the only account that includes Peter walking on water toward Jesus:
🔹 Jesus walks toward the disciples on the water.
🔹 Peter calls out, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water!”
🔹 Jesus simply says, “Come.”
🔹 Peter steps out, walking on water toward Jesus.
🔹 Fear creeps in—Peter sees the wind and begins to sink.
🔹 He cries out, “Lord, save me!”
🔹 Jesus immediately reaches out, catches him, and asks, “Why did you doubt?”
🔹 They return to the boat, and the wind ceases.
đź’¬ Key Theme: Faith in the unseen.
Peter didn’t step out on calm waters—he stepped out into the storm. His faith carried him until fear took over. Yet, even in his doubt, Jesus immediately saved him.
Mark’s Account: Their Hearts Were Hardened (Mark 6:45-52, AMP)
Mark tells of Jesus walking on the water but does not mention Peter stepping out. Instead, he focuses on the disciples’ fear:
🔹 The disciples were straining at the oars, struggling against the wind.
🔹 Jesus walked past them on the water.
🔹 They thought He was a ghost and were terrified.
🔹 Jesus spoke, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.”
🔹 He got in the boat, the wind stopped, and they were completely amazed.
🔹 Mark adds, “For they had not understood about the loaves, their hearts were hardened.”
đź’¬ Key Theme: Spiritual blindness and missing the miracle.
The disciples had just witnessed Jesus multiply the loaves and fish, yet their hearts still struggled to recognize His power. How often do we, like them, miss the miracle because we are too focused on our fear?
John’s Account: The Storm Immediately Ceases (John 6:16-21, AMP)
John’s telling is the most concise, yet he adds one crucial detail:
🔹 The sea was rough, and the disciples were afraid.
🔹 Jesus said, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
🔹 When they willingly received Jesus into the boat, “immediately the boat was at the land.”
đź’¬ Key Theme: His presence brings peace.
The moment they welcomed Jesus into the boat, the storm ceased and they reached the other side.
Lessons in Faith: Stepping Onto the Water in My Own Life
Jesus is calling me to walk on the water in this season of my life. I cannot see the end. I do not know exactly where this path will take me. Regardless of my lack of understanding or uncertain circumstances, He has told me to step out, to trust, to keep my eyes on Him.
Like Peter, I want to believe without needing to see first. In addition, I know (like Peter) there will be moments when I get distracted by the storm instead of the Savior standing in front of me.
Here’s what I’m learning:
âś… Faith is stepping out while the wind is still howling.
âś… Doubt may creep in, but Jesus never lets me sink.
âś… I must keep my eyes on Jesus, not on the storm.
âś… When I invite Jesus into my “boat,” the storm calms, and I reach my destination.
Application: Will You Step Out?
🙌 Where is Jesus calling you to trust Him before you see the outcome?
🌊 What’s your “water”—the thing that feels impossible but Jesus is asking you to step into?
đź‘Ł Are you keeping your eyes on Jesus or getting distracted by the storm?
đź’ˇ Challenge for the Week: Step out boldly in faith in one area where Jesus has called you to trust Him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me to step out in faith. I confess that sometimes I focus more on the wind and the waves than I do on You. Help me to trust You even when I cannot see the end of the journey. Strengthen my heart to believe before I see and to keep my eyes fixed on You. Thank You for always catching me when I fall and for never letting me sink. In Your mighty name, Amen.
Final Thought: Faith Like Peter
Peter’s faith wasn’t perfect—but it was active. He stepped out when the others stayed behind. Even though he wavered, he knew exactly who to cry out to when he sank.
I want that kind of faith.
Faith that dares to step out.
Faith that cries out to Jesus the moment I slip.
Faith that welcomes Him into my boat, knowing He will lead me safely home.
While preparing this blog, Jesus nudged me to speak specifically to the one stuck inside the boat, clinging to the sides with eyes forced shut. Look up, Child! He is waiting for you.
Word of Knowledge: Let Go and Step Out
Somewhere, someone is grasping so tightly to the sides of the boat in the middle of this storm that your knuckles are bleeding, and your muscles are aching from exhaustion. You’re trying so hard to keep yourself afloat, to hold it all together– to survive.
You weren’t meant to white-knuckle your way through this storm.
The ones who stayed in the boat had hardened hearts—they refused to believe. On the other hand, Peter jumped feet first because he had enough faith to say, “Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come to You!”
🔥 Jesus can save you!
🔥 Jesus can liberate you!
🔥 Jesus will sustain you!
Let go of the oars. Let go of the sides. Let go of the fear that has kept you stuck.
You aren’t meant to sit on the sidelines. You weren’t created to cling to safety while the storm rages. You have been prepared to SHINE in a time such as this.
💠Trust Him. Don’t look back anymore.
✨ Go ahead: Jump in feet first. ✨
Jesus has this! 🌊🔥👣
What are your thoughts on Peter’s faith? Have you ever had a “step out of the boat” moment? Let’s talk in the comments! 🌊👣✨
#FaithOverFear #WalkingOnWater #TrustingJesus #StepOutInFaith #EyesOnJesus #BelievingWithoutSeeing #PeterWalkedToo #PruningSeason
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