Walking On Water
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Matthew 14:22-36 and Psalms 59:1-10 (NIV)
(Karen Lim, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Matthew 14:22-36 (NIV)
Verses 27-28 stood out.
But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’
‘Lord, if it’s You,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you in the water.’
OBSERVE:
This Bible passage tells the story of Jesus walking on the water, a story that I first encountered as a child in Sunday School many years ago. It always awed me that someone could actually walk on water. However, it could also be frightening, just as the disciples who witnessed it were terrified and thought they had seen a ghost (v. 26).
Even after Jesus assured them and tried to allay their fears, Peter doubted. He asked to walk on the water as Jesus did. Initially, Peter stepped out in faith upon the Lord’s invitation to join Him. However, he soon began to sink as he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the strong waves around him.
APPLY:
This passage causes me to reflect on the times I fail to recognize the Lord’s presence with me, especially when I am facing issues at work or at home. When I begin to doubt, I am like Peter, who started out walking on the water but then took his eyes away from Jesus. When I see life’s buffeting winds instead of focusing on Jesus, I begin to doubt and sink.
Thankfully, the story didn’t end with Peter sinking and drowning. Jesus reached out His hand and saved Peter when he cried out to the Lord for help.
Similarly, I need to trust the Lord and recognize His presence in my life. I must remember to keep my eyes on Him when life’s buffeting winds pull my focus away. I rest assured that even when I fail, He will reach out and save me when I cry out to Him for help.
DO:
Keep my eyes on the Lord by praying, reading His word and surrendering my fears to Him.
PRAY:
Lord, forgive me for the many times I doubt Your presence in my life. Thank You for loving me despite my failures. Please show me how to build an unwavering faith in You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
