Time to Worship
ThereΓÇÖs something deeply powerful about the moment Peter steps out of the boat in Matthew 14. He hears one word from JesusΓÇöΓÇ£ComeΓÇ¥ΓÇöand itΓÇÖs enough for him to attempt the impossible: walking on water. ItΓÇÖs a moment of radical trust, a picture of what it means to fix our eyes on Jesus even when the world around us feels chaotic and uncertain. But as soon as Peter shifts his focus from Jesus to the wind, he starts to sink. Panic replaces faith. Fear begins to drown him. Yet, even in his doubt and failure, Jesus reaches out, catches him, and says, ΓÇ£You of little faith, why did you doubt?ΓÇ¥
ΓÇ£Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ΓÇÿTruly you are the Son of God.ΓÇÖΓÇ¥
ΓÇô Matthew 14:33 (NIV)
When the Storm Becomes the Sanctuary
ThereΓÇÖs something deeply powerful about the moment Peter steps out of the boat in Matthew 14. He hears one word from JesusΓÇöΓÇ£ComeΓÇ¥ΓÇöand itΓÇÖs enough for him to attempt the impossible: walking on water. ItΓÇÖs a moment of radical trust, a picture of what it means to fix our eyes on Jesus even when the world around us feels chaotic and uncertain.
But as soon as Peter shifts his focus from Jesus to the wind, he starts to sink. Panic replaces faith. Fear begins to drown him. Yet, even in his doubt and failure, Jesus reaches out, catches him, and says, ΓÇ£You of little faith, why did you doubt?ΓÇ¥
This story isnΓÇÖt just about PeterΓÇÖs fear or JesusΓÇÖ rescueΓÇöitΓÇÖs about what happens next.
Worship in the Wake of Rescue
After Jesus and Peter climb back into the boat, the storm calms. The chaos gives way to peace. And in that stillness, the disciples do something thatΓÇÖs often forgotten in the retelling: they worship.
They donΓÇÖt just admire Jesus.
They donΓÇÖt just thank Him.
They worship Him.
They declare, ΓÇ£Truly you are the Son of God.ΓÇ¥
This is the first time in MatthewΓÇÖs Gospel that the disciples explicitly worship Jesus in this way. ItΓÇÖs a turning point. TheyΓÇÖve seen His power over the sea, His compassion for their fear, and His authority over natureΓÇöand their only response is awe and adoration.
What About Us?
We all face stormsΓÇömoments when life feels out of control, when fear whispers louder than faith. Sometimes we step out boldly like Peter, only to find ourselves sinking in doubt. But if we let Him, Jesus always meets us there. He reaches out. He calms the chaos. And when He does, it's time to worship.
Worship isn't just for the mountaintop moments. It's for the boat after the storm. It's for the breath we catch after the panic fades. ItΓÇÖs for the recognition that Jesus is not only the one who calms the sea, but the one who calms us.
So ask yourself:
What storm has Jesus brought you through?
When was the last time you simply stopped to worship Him for who He is?
Make It Personal
HereΓÇÖs a simple way to pause and worship today:
- Reflect: What has Jesus rescued you from recently?
- Respond: In your own words or a song, tell Him who He is to you.
- Rejoice: Let worship shift your focus from the waves to the One who walks on them.
ItΓÇÖs always the right time to worship. Even when the wind is loud. Especially when the boat rocks. And certainly when He reaches for you and says, ΓÇ£Come.ΓÇ¥
ΓÇ£Truly You are the Son of God.ΓÇ¥ Let that be the cry of your heart today.
