The Step of Faith (MT)

Me

Did anybody need a map or a GPS to get here?

A problem that I have is that I’m directionally challenged — and it’s bad. I am ashamed to admit that I couldn’t read a map if my life depended on it.

— For example, once when I was a kid I was traveling with my dad through Memphis — and there was construction on the Interstate and the exit he wanted to take was closed, so he reaches in the seat behind me, pulls out an atlas, and says, “Here, find another exit we can use,” and I was like… “what?”

So I’m looking at it — I stare at it for a long time — and finally I was like, “Yeah, I don’t know what any of this means,” and he said, “Well son, your first problem is that you’re looking at West Virginia and that’s not gonna be much help right now…”

— And another time about 17 years ago I almost ended up in Canada thanks to construction on the Interstate (are you seeing a theme here?)

Most of the exits were closed as I was leaving Detroit and because of all the chaos, my only option was to travel Northbound on the Interstate — and then suddenly I see a sign that says, “Bridge to Canada — One Mile”. I’m not prepared to be a Canadian.

And so because of mishaps like that — I just now just blindly trust the GPS. If it doesn’t say it — I don’t go there. Which causes more disagreements in my marriage than you might think because I’m married to someone who is very untrusting of the GPS and so when we’re traveling, she’ll ask which way it’s taking us and I’m like — “I don’t know — I’ve just gotta trust the little arrow and the blue line because I certainly can’t trust myself!”

We

And many times, the Christian life can feel like trying to navigate without a map or a GPS, can’t it?

We want God to give us those turn-by-turn directions, like:

A clear voice that says “In 1.2 miles, your breakthrough will arrive.”

A warning that says, “Construction ahead — detour through suffering.”

Or even a prompt that says, “Rerouting… because you made a wrong turn.”

And if you’re anything like me — you want the whole map — the full itinerary — or the five year plan. But God often chooses a different approach: Psalm 119:105 says,

Psalm 119:105 CSB

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.

Not a floodlight. Not a spotlight showing us every turn. But a lamp — just enough light for the next step.

We go through these storms and seasons in life without the full picture — and sometimes — without even knowing what the destination is. And life has a way of throwing detours at us:

The job you thought would bring security suddenly disappears.

The relationship you’ve depended on starts to fracture.

Or even the plan you trusted in starts to unravel.

And that’s hard, right?

God

But as we’re about to see God doesn’t call us to follow pre-planned directions with a GPS. He calls us to follow Him by faith.

Today, we’re going to look at an account in Scripture where Jesus’ disciples had to do just that. When these disciples followed Jesus’ command — they did it without knowing the outcome… they were afraid… and they knew the only way they could find their way to safety was by following His direction and His voice to discover His promise.

Turn in your Bibles if you will to the Gospel of Matthew — Chapter 14. If you’re new or newer to your Bible — Matthew is the first book of the New Testament. We’re looking at the story of Jesus walking on water.

While you’re turning there — it’s important to understand — what’s about to happen comes on the heels of Jesus feeding five thousand people with just a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish. The disciples have seen Jesus perform these great acts and miracles. They’ve watched Him heal people and transform lives.

But now — their faith is about to be tested in a way they couldn’t even imagine: what do we do when the storm hits — and Jesus shows up in a way we didn’t expect?

Exposition

Let’s take a look — Matthew 14 — starting in verse 22.

vv. 22-24

Matthew 14:22–24 CSB

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them.

Picture the water crashing at your feet as you’re getting in the boat. This isn’t happening by accident. Jesus sends His disciples here. There isn’t a map. There isn’t a forecast. There isn’t even a clear plan— just His command: “Go on ahead of Me.”

And they obeyed. But what we’ve got to understand is that obedience isn’t a fast pass to comfort. It’s usually a front row seat to chaos. The call of Jesus doesn’t always lead us around the storm — sometimes it leads us straight into it.

And that’s the picture of faith, isn’t it? It’s kind of like driving with a GPS at night — we can only see the next turn. We don’t get the full picture of what’s ahead, but we trust the voice guiding us.

That’s what’s happening here. Jesus sends these disciples across the water, but He doesn’t go with them right away. He lets them paddle into something they’re not expecting.

And the wind — Scripture says — was against them. I mean — picture what they’re experiencing here: it’s dark — and the wind is howling — and every wave threatens to tip the boat. Every splash feels like its’ the one that’s gonna pull you under. Every gust feels like it could be the last one you can row against. And these guys aren’t amateurs, either. Some of them are seasoned fishermen — and yet they’re struggling.

Anybody ever been there? I’m sure some folks here know exactly what that feels like.

You follow Jesus.

You say yes.

You step out in faith.

And the next thing you know — you’re rowing against a headwind in the dark.

But I just want to stop and say this clearly: just because you’re in a storm doesn’t mean you’re out of God’s will or His calling for you. Sometimes, that very act of obedience leads us into difficulty — not because God is punishing us, but because He’s preparing us.

But here’s the paradox of faith: the same Jesus who just multiplied bread to feed thousands of people is now sending His friends straight into the wind with nothing but trust to carry them. It’s almost as if He’s saying, “Do you trust Me when the crowd is gone? Do you trust me when it seems like the waves are louder than my voice?”

See — faith doesn’t mean smooth sailing — it means steady rowing when the storm is screaming at you to quit.

Church faith isn’t forged in calm water. It’s hammered out in storm-tossed seas. That’s where Jesus teaches us that His presence is greater than our panic. And that’s exactly what the disciples are about to discover.

vv. 25-27

Matthew 14:25–27 CSB

25 Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear. 27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

This all happened shortly before dawn — the fourth watch of the night. That’s between three and six A-M. It’s the darkest time of the night — just before daybreak. It’s the kind of dark where you can’t even see your own hand in front of your face… the kind of wind that doesn’t just howl — it screams.

Notice this — Jesus doesn’t send a rescue boat. He doesn’t shout instructions from the shore. And He doesn’t calm this storm from a distance. He walks straight into the chaos they’re drowning in.

Now imagine being the disciples. You’re exhausted. You’ve been rowing for hours. Your heart’s pounding… and your muscles are exhausted. You’re soaked — and sleep deprived — and worst of all, Jesus isn’t with you.

You’re cold — and wet — and afraid. And then all of a sudden you see a silhouette walking across the waves.

And can you imagine the conversation that starts happening on the boat?

“Hey man, what is that?”

“Is that… a man?”

“Well, obviously not… it’s walking on top of the water.”

You can almost feel the anxiety creeping up as this figure walks toward them, right? This doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t fit in their categories of faith.

And so they do what any rational person would do in that moment — they freak out! Of course they thought it was a ghost! What else could it be, right?

But then — in the midst of their fear — Jesus speaks: “Have courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

That phrase — “It is I” is translated from the original Greek into English. But it’s actually the same phrase in Hebrew that God used in Exodus when He said to Moses, “I AM”. It’s not just a statement of identity — it’s a declaration of God’s presence and His power.

And maybe that’s a reminder that we all need to hear this morning:

Not that the storm will stop…

Not that all the answers will come right now…

But that Jesus is present in the middle of it — and He still says, “Have courage. It is I — or ‘I AM’ — Don’t be afraid.”

We have to remember the promise that even in every situation — in every season — in every time of hope — and every time of trouble — Jesus never stops working in and through His Church and His people. That’s the hope the hope we’re called to as believers — the result of faithful presence — and trusting Him when He says, “Have courage.”

And for the disciples — with these three simple sentences of hope from Jesus — fear starts to loosen its grip:

vv. 28-29

Matthew 14:28–29 CSB

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.

So Peter throws his legs over the boat — his feet hit the water — and it holds.

Now wait a second — can you imagine what’s going through his mind? He’s a fisherman. He knows how water works. This might be his first rodeo but it certainly ain’t his first boat ride.

He takes one step. Then another. Then another. He’s looking at Jesus — and he’s locked in. The storm around him hasn’t stopped — but Peter’s eyes are fixed on the only One who commands the wind.

Has anyone here experienced a moment like that with Jesus? One of those moments where you feel so connected to Christ that it seems like the rest of the world has fallen away? Like you’re so full of faith that you could storm the gates of Hell with a water gun?

That’s what Peter’s experiencing right now — because of his faith.

And see, we often breeze right past these couple of verses here because we know what’s about to happen next, but something I want to point out about Peter here is that he’s the only one who gets out of the boat. The others stay put — they play it safe while Peter steps out.

The greatest danger here isn’t the wind or the waves — it’s the disciples temptation to play it safe. To stay in the boat. Safety isn’t always found where it feels familiar. Safety is found where Jesus is standing. Even on the water.

That’s what faith looks like. It’s not the absence of fear — it’s the presence of obedience. Peter says, “Lord, if it’s you… tell me to come.”

And Jesus simply says, “Come.”

The boat may not have felt safe in the storm — but at least it was familiar. Stepping out into the water? That’s a whole different level of trust.

And that’s where we stall many times. We cling to what we’ve known because we don’t want to sink. But what if the safest place isn’t the boat at all? What if it’s wherever Jesus is?

And notice this here — Peter doesn’t ask Jesus to stop the storm. He asks Jesus to invite him into it. That’s what trust looks like. And it’s the kind of trust that Jesus calls each of us to have in Him. That’s what it looks like to grow in our faith. Our life in Christ isn’t defined by playing it safe in the boat — it’s defined by whether or not we’re willing to walk where Jesus calls — even when it’s unfamiliar — and uncomfortable — and unsteady.

So Peter’s walking — but then, the wind whips harder. A wave crashes near him. He looks down — and He panics.

And just like that — he’s sinking.

vv. 30-31

Matthew 14:30–31 CSB

30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Peter does sink. But not before he walks. Guys, that’s not failure. Failure didn’t happen when Peter started to sink. Failure would’ve been never stepping out at all.

And the moment he cries out, “Lord, save me,” Jesus doesn’t hesitate.

The Word says immediately — Jesus reaches out.

No delay. No scolding. He catches Peter before he goes under.

And then Jesus asks a simple, tender question: “Why did you doubt?”

He doesn’t say, “Well, you blew it.”

He doesn’t yell, “You’re a failure!”

He simply asks, “Why?” — like a Father Who knows His child is capable of more.

See, we often view this exchange as a rebuke against Peter… but may I submit to you, church, that sometimes we’re just like him… finding ourselves in these storms that make us doubt. The beauty is that even in our moments of doubt, Jesus is ready to reach out and catch us when our trust is in Him.

That’s the heart of our Savior. We don’t have to be perfect. We don’t have to get it all right. We just have to be close enough to cry out, “Lord, save me.”

And Jesus always answers that cry.

Why? Because Jesus knows that we can’t see the big picture — but He can. It’s what the Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian church:

2 Corinthians 5:7 CSB

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

This is the call for each of us to live this out in our daily lives. We trust in God’s promises — even when the circumstances around us are hard. See — faith isn’t a spotlight that shows us the whole road. It’s a candle that only lights the next step — and yet somehow — that little flame is enough to move mountains.

And look at the dramatic conclusion:

vv. 32-33

Matthew 14:32–33 CSB

32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

They climb into the boat — and everything stops: the wind — and the waves — and the fear. The danger has passed. You can almost feel the silence around them.

But what’s even more important than the storm dying down — is what happens in the hearts of the disciples: they worship. In the stillness of dawn breaking — a realization rises like the sun behind the clouds: “Truly, You are the Son of God.”

This is the first time in Matthew’s Gospel — in all 14 chapters — that the disciples explicitly worship Jesus:

not just as the Healer,

not just as the Teacher,

but the One who commands the sea — and calls us forward even when we can’t see where we’re going.

Something changes this night. The don’t just survive the storm — they finally see Jesus for who He really is. Because this whole moment: the storm — the fear — Peter walking and sinking — Jesus rescuing — it’s not just about survival. It’s about revelation.

The disciples already know Jesus is special:

they’ve seen Him heal the sick,

they just watched Him feed thousands,

but now, in this moment — after the storm — something clicks.

Their view of Jesus expands. And their understanding deepens.

And they respond in the only way possible after such an encounter with Jesus: they worship.

That’s what happens when we trust Him through the winds and waves. The storm might not stop right away, but our faith deepens — our heart opens — and our worship becomes real.

This storm wasn’t their undoing. It was their unveiling. In the dark — on the waves — they didn’t just see Jesus walking on the water — they finally see Him for who He truly is.

Faith isn’t following a map — it’s following the One who calls us to take the next step.

You

And here’s what we learn from this:

First, it’s that some of the clearest revelations of Jesus come after the storm. Sometimes we don’t realize how near He is to us until the waves settle. Sometimes the greatest clarity comes on the other side of chaos. And it’s not the storm that defines the disciples — it’s their worship afterward. It’s the same with us.

Second, the goal wasn’t calm water — it was deeper faith. See, if this account was just about Jesus calming storms… it would’ve ended sooner. But the miracle wasn’t just on the water — the miracle happened in the hearts of the disciples. Their faith moved from shallow familiarity — to heartfelt worship.

And church — isn’t that what we want?

We don’t just want to survive hard seasons. We want to come out with a faith that leads to worship.

Through that, we believe the promise we’re told in Hebrews 11:1:

Hebrews 11:1 CSB

1 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.

Faith isn’t following a map — it’s trusting the voice that calls you forward, even in the storm.

We

Now — if you’ve been a Christian for more than five minutes — then you know there are going to be times in life that you have to walk out in faith. Maybe you’re not stepping out of a boat — but you might be just as scared of drowning as these guys were.

Maybe it’s been about trying to hold your family together…

Trying to stay afloat in the middle of all of life’s demands that are coming your way…

Trying to believe that God still sees you — still speaks to you — and still has something for you.

And maybe — like Peter — you’ve been doing everything you can just to stay in the boat. To stay safe. To survive the storm.

But what if Jesus is asking you to take a step?

Not because it’s easy.

Not because it’s all figured out.

But because He’s close — and He’s calling.

So that’s what we’ve learned — and here’s how we take the next step of faith:

Maybe it’s trusting God again after disappointment.

Maybe it’s confessing something to Him that’s keeping you stuck.

Maybe it’s finally saying yes to what He’s been asking you to do.

Maybe it’s letting go of what’s familiar so you can walk into something better — even if it’s uncertain.

The good news is that you don’t have to be strong. You just have to be close enough to say, “Lord, save me.”

And He will.

Because the point of this story isn’t that Peter failed. It’s that Jesus never let go.

Just like we talked about last week — it’s not about having the full blueprint — it’s just about being obedient.

Our life may not come with turn-by-turn instructions, but Jesus is always the way — and He hasn’t lost signal. The One who called you into this season is still guiding you through it. And even if the next step isn’t clear — the Person is. Jesus is the way.

Call to Repentance

Listen, I don’t presume to know where anyone stands in their relationship with God today — and I don’t want to make an assumption that everyone in this room is a follower of Christ. So if you’ve never taken that step of faith — if you’ve never trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, let today be that day. The Word of God tells us that we don’t have to be perfect, and we don’t have to clean ourselves up to come to Jesus. He simply says — “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

So if you’re tired,

If you’re scared,

If you’re unsure about what’s next,’

You’re not alone.

WORSHIP TEAM COME UP

The One calling you forward is already standing on the water. And He’s saying the same thing today that He said to His disciples in the boat:

“Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Take the next step.

Church — I may not stand in this pulpit again after today — but the good news is — you don’t need me. You need Jesus. He’s the One still walking toward you in the storm. He’s the One Who won’t let you drown. And He is the One who is worthy of your worship.

So take courage. Take that step. And trust Him.

Because on the other side of that step — your testimony isn’t that you just endured and survived — it’s:

That you saw Jesus more clearly.

That you trusted Him more deeply.

That you said — maybe for the first time or maybe in a whole new way — “Truly, You are the Son of God.”

Let’s worship.