Matthew 14:23-33 NKJV And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “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.”