Peter
Open Your Bible
Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 4:18-22, Matthew 14:22-32, Matthew 16:13-20, Luke 22:54-62, John 21:15-19
BY Bailey Gillespie
Do it scared. This is a popular phrase today, one that shows up in books, podcasts, and hashtags. When I read the story of Peter fighting his way through the wind and waves, I’m reminded of this phrase and how it characterizes Peter’s faith-inspired action. But was “doing it scared” enough to sustain him on the water?
In this story, the disciple second-guesses his decision to join Jesus after observing the strength of the winds (Matthew 14:30). What was I thinking? That’s what I imagine him asking himself. No doubt, those winds felt stronger out on the surface of the water than back in the security of the boat. Wild and tempestuous, the winds circle the disciple, and his own fragility overtakes him. “Lord, save me!” he cries, feet plunging below the surface of the sea (v.30).
Notice how it isn’t the lack of steady ground that Peter fears most. After all, he’s the one who asks Jesus to invite him onto the water, after seeing Jesus model the physics-defying act. Only after venturing out onto the water does Peter’s confidence begin to waver, as he notices just how powerful the wind’s ability to topple him actually is. Although Peter trusts the Lord enough to risk walking on water, that same trust doesn’t sustain him once the obstacles around him begin gaining power.
But it took a lot of faith for Peter to step out of the boat, right? When Jesus says, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (v.31), we might think to ourselves, Goodness, that’s a lot more faith than I would have had. Can’t we give this guy a break? But Jesus’s words don’t appear to be accusatory. They are an expression of His care. After rescuing Peter by reaching out His hand, Jesus continues to invite the disciple into a life of deeper connection and trust as they journey together.
I’ll be the first to confess that I am forever taking my eyes off Jesus when I find myself in the midst of daunting situations. It’s easier to focus on the situation itself until it robs me of the very gifts meant to sustain me. You probably have your own courageous story of a time when you followed God, trust and confidence levels high, only to be met with fear and doubt further down the road.
Christ not only strengthens us to follow Him, but His strength can also keep us steadfast in the face of peril. We do have permission to cry out when we need help, though. Sometimes He intercedes immediately and calls the surrounding elements into submission—like the salty wind and cold and choppy waves. But sometimes He allows the environment to persist without plucking us from it because it has the ability to form us into His likeness.
No matter what is going on in your life, Christ knows when and how to save you. His rescue is not delayed. Like Peter, when we cry out, He will answer. Carry God’s strength with you today as you “do it scared,” and trust that He is enough to sustain you against the fury of a thousand winds.
56 thoughts on "Peter"
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I just love how John 21:15-19 was added to today’s study of Peter. This passage shows the reconciliation of Peter when it came to his relationship with Jesus. We saw Peter deny the Lord three times even though he expressed he would never do such a thing. And how heavily that weighed on his heart. And then we see, in this passage, the Lord ask Peter if he loved Him three times. While I think this may have hit a bit of a nerve with Peter, Jesus wasn’t doing this to condemn him, but to redeem him. Through this action we too can be redeemed from our sinful actions and have reconciliation with our Lord.
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Vs. 61 says that Jesus turned and looked at Peter after he denied him three times, can you imagine?! This tore me up inside and I think this is the first time I’ve noticed this verse. I didn’t piece together the restoration part until after I read your comment, thank you!
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As I was reading the Bible excerpts for this, before reading the commentary, I realized this and said this to my husband in text (he’s reading with me in the HeReadsTruth app):
“I’m reading the story of Peter in our devotion right now. I just realized this. When Jesus walked on water to come to the boat Peter was on, Jesus called for Peter to walk on the water with him. Peter walked on the water until the wind frightened him and caused him to doubt. Jesus helped him up out of the water and asked him why did he have little faith when he was walking on water to Jesus. If we doubt, we sink. Our anxiety overcomes us and we drown. Think about it, it feels like we are drowning when we are filled with anxiety and doubt. It is only by faith that we can come to Jesus, that we may walk above our own fears to reach the destination, following God’s plan for our lives.”-
I just love what you wrote and the revelation God gave you to share with your husband. What an awesome word and I stand in agreement with it and thank God for the understanding He gave you. Amen, I needed to hear this and I receive it. Praise God.
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Many times, i have to live by faith with my kids because that’s all i have. Kids grow into teens & you need to trust you’ve taught them well about Jesus, that they will stick to their values by faith. Mine have, so far. Thank you, dear Jesus, for staying in their hearts & mine as they venture out in the world of teen hanging out in a world of scary stuff & COVID-19. And thank you, Jesus, for my trust in you & the ability to let go.
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So many times I hear God whisper O Ye of Little Faith? I then hear what I know is true from His promises. Trust Me❤️
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Thank you for this devotion today!
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Thanks for all the prayers. I finally have my internet up and running so I can get caught up with SRT and my email to family. My move went smoothly and without problems — for the first time. Only problem we had was the couch/sectional that was my niece’s is too big. Sunday I found something smaller and my son and nephew brought it over yesterday and put the other in storage until I can sell it. Oh well. Everyone have a blessed day and again thanks for all the prayers.
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Praying for you Mari, genuinely!
Please also pray for my aunt…she is elderly and quite unwell and has lived a life full of heartbreak…It might be God’s mercy to take her soon but, I truly feel the family is NOT ready for it, ESPECIALLY the daughter who has ached to fly out to her since before the pandemic!!
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I love to read the scripture passages aloud, with Emotion. They seem to go to the core of my being. Reading Luke 22:60-62, Brought tears to my eyes, as I could feel Peter sorrow over his sin.” Peter replied, man, I don’t know what you’re talking about! Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to Him: Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me 3 times. And he went outside and wept bitterly.” When we love our Lord, we often weep bitterly over our disobedience. Every day our sin should bring us to the foot of the cross. We are reminded daily of why we need a savior. But then Jesus reaches down and lifts us up out of our despair To go and live our lives and Faith Each day
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