© 2005, LaunchOutBook.com, Acacia Slaton

Read: Matthew 14:22-31

In this passage of scripture we become acquainted with Peter. Peter stands out amongst the other disciples because he was one whose flaws and weaknesses were visible. He was far from perfect, yet Jesus called him a rock. A rock is made of hard naturally formed material. In slang we sometimes characterize a person as a rock because we see them as dependable. Peter became one of the first great leaders in the church. Jesus called Peter a great leader and believed he was dependable even though he often did not measure up to those standards readily. In other words, Jesus saw something in Peter he did not see in himself. Jesus did not focus on Peter's failures or weaknesses because He knew what he could become if he continued to serve and obey Him.

Once Peter and the other disciples were in great trouble; they were far out at sea and the wind and waves were fierce. At about 3:00 in the morning they saw Jesus walking towards them on the water. The disciples were terrified and believed they saw a ghost. Jesus spoke and said, "It's alright," he said. "I am here! Don't be afraid" (Matthew 14:27). Then Peter called to Him, "Lord, if it's really you tell me to come to you by walking on water" (Matthew 14:28). So Peter stepped out of the boat and was courageous until he began to look at his surroundings. He became fearful of the raging water and began to sink. He cried, Jesus, save me!" Jesus came to his rescue. "You don't have much faith Jesus said,' "Why did you doubt me?" (Matthew 14:31)

There are many times we may feel distant from God because of the trials we endure in this journey of life. Our trials can become so intense that we feel we can't carry on. It seems the more we pray our debts increase, anxiety increase, conflict with people increase, and our own personal failures increase. Don't be discouraged! You may say that sounds great but what can I do? Cry out to God. He hears your prayer. He desires to answer speedily but we sometimes believe our problem is too difficult for him to solve. Sometimes we have to be honest and say, "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!" (Mark 9: 24)

1) Write about an experience in your life in which you were terrified and believed you were alone?

2) When you go through hard times do you cry out to God in prayer and believe he can help or do you doubt him and believe your situation is too difficult for Him to handle?

3) Share about an experience or trial that you know you would not have come through had it not been for God's grace and mercy.

Inspirational Poetry

Launch Out Into The Deep

Sometimes fear will get in the way and keep us away from our destiny.

God calls us out to lead; but we keep looking at reality.

Our current location is not where God wants us to rest.

We focus on our problems they only cause us to stress.

To leave a comfortable place is a hard decision to make;

but remember God is with you every step you take.

God is here to lift you up when you feel weak.

Hold your head up, take your first step and Launch Out Into The Deep!

Words of the Wise

Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.

- Martin Luther

Selah (Pause and Meditate): Psalm 69:1 Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can't find a foothold to stand on. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me.