Text: Matthew 14:22-33
Memory verse:
“But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Have you ever noticed how the people who attempt something are usually the ones talked about?
Nobody criticizes the person who never tries. Nobody debates the one who stays quiet. Nobody attacks the one who never steps out. But the moment you dare to believe God publicly; the moment you obey beyond logic; and the moment you attempt something that requires faith, you become an object of conversation.
According to our text, Peter sank, and we talk so much about this failure, but we forget that before he sank, he walked on water. Now, imagine being in that boat that night. Wind howling, fear everywhere, and then you see a figure walking on the water. Eleven men freeze, but one man speaks out. This is the question. Why do we blow failure above faith? Why do we criticize the one who walked on the water, even if he sank?
In context, Jesus had just fed the multitude. Then, He sent the disciples ahead while He went to pray. The storm was already there before Peter stepped out (v.24). It wasn’t a calm situation. Peter didn’t step into still water, but into a stormy water.
Eleven disciples saw Jesus, but only one asked for permission to step out.
“Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” (v.28). Faith usually speaks, while fear stays seated. Many criticize bold moves because they never requested one.
“So Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water…” (v.29)
Immediately, Peter recognized the voice of Jesus, he stepped out of the boat and on the water. Are you wondering what the remaining eleven were doing while he was stepping out on the water? Of course, they were just watching. Faith makes you a player, and fear makes you a spectator. It takes courageous faith to step out of the boat into a stormy water, while fear keeps you inside the safe boat.
Some may still say, “We know he walked, but he later sank.” Yes, he sank for a moment, but he did the impossible while the eleven did the ordinary. And it is better to attempt the miraculous and stumble than to remain comfortable and stand. You can only expect great things from God when you attempt great things for Him. Bold faith may stumble, but it still honours God. The irony is that comfort zones never produce water-walking testimonies.
Friends, if you are not being criticized, you may not be attempting anything significant. You cannot walk on water and avoid waves at the same time. It is better to sink trusting Jesus than to stay dry without Him.

Prayer points
1. Let every spirit of fear that keeps me in the boat lose its grip now; I receive boldness to obey beyond reasoning in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, give me inner strength, lest criticism corrupt my faith; ignite my faith to attempt great things for You in spite of criticism, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. I will not die in the boat of comfort. I refuse to be governed by fear and to live my destiny as a spectator.
2. I won’t criticize others until I have successfully walked on the waters without sinking; I won’t focus on failure and ignore great faith.