Matthew 14:23-33 NCV After he had sent them away, he went by himself up into the hills to pray. It was late, and Jesus was there alone. By this time, the boat was already far away from land. It was being hit by waves, because the wind was blowing against it. Between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the water. When his followers saw him walking on the water, they were afraid. They said, “It’s a ghost!” and cried out in fear. But Jesus quickly spoke to them, “Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” Peter said, “Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.” And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus said, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind became calm. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “Truly you are the Son of God!”

Week 1: The Wind and the Waves THE WATER OF HIS WORD Read Matthew 14:22-33. The disciples did not want to leave and get into the boat. They didn’t understand why Jesus was sending them away. And then they found themselves in the midst of a great storm and He was nowhere in sight. Recall a time when you have not understood why God was allowing something to happen. WALK ON TRUTH Since Jesus is fully God and fully man, He would have known that He was sending the disciples out into a storm and into a very difficult situation. Are you in a “storm” or a difficult situation right now? Do you know someone who is? What is most perplexing to you about the situation? Have you ever considered that the Lord would not only allow you to head straight for a storm but might have sent you right into it? Bring your thoughts and feelings to the Lord as you read Psalm 40. FOCUS THE EYES OF YOUR HEART Quietly recite today’s focus passage. Hide it in your heart, meditate on it, and make it your prayer throughout the day. Matthew 14:31-33 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”