PRAY
In the midst of all that is going on for you today, take a moment to slow down. In fact, take just 60 seconds to be still before God, and then agree with this prayer.

Jesus, Thank You for Your peace. In the midst of all that is going on, I want to place You as the priority. I choose to fix my eyes on You in this time. Open my eyes to the things You want me to see today. Amen.

WALKING ON WATER
If someone were asked to highlight three significant moments from the life of Peter, today’s story would almost certainly be mentioned. The disciples just witnessed Jesus miraculously taking five loaves and two fish and turning into a meal that fed 5000 men, plus women and children! Now it’s time for them to move on to their next stop.

READ AND CONTEMPLATE MATTHEW 14:22-33
Instead of putting yourself in Peter’s sandals as you read today, take up the perspective of one of the other disciples in the boat (maybe Matthew who is writing this account, or Peter’s brother, Andrew). As always, try not to rush through the passage. Try to put yourself in a position where you are seeing, feeling, hearing, smelling, and even tasting (there was probably a lot of splashing water) what is happening.

Once done, share what impacts you as you observe Peter’s actions and interactions with Jesus and why you think it sticks out to you.

MAKE IT PERSONAL
Now, let’s switch our focus to Peter. Let’s focus on three places we find Peter in this incredible experience.

• On the boat: He is seeing Jesus walk on the water toward him. He is clearly filled with a mix of fear, wonder and intrigue in this moment.
• Walking on water: He has taken the leap of faith and is experiencing this miraculous moment. Consider the fact that he and Jesus are the only two people recorded to experience walking on top of water.
• Sinking in the storm. Peter got distracted from the miracle. The storm became his focus, and he couldn’t stay on top of the water.

Consider the area(s) you have identified that Jesus is calling you to follow Him from Here to There. Which place (on the boat, walking on water, or sinking in the storm) do you identify most with, and why?

There are two profound requests Peter makes to Jesus in this story. First, while standing in the boat, Peter says, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you.” The second is while he began to sink when Peter cries out, “Lord, save me!”

In your life right now, which request seems most appropriate for you to make of Jesus? In your own words, wright out that request to him and why you are making it.

BOTTOM LINE:
In both requests Peter makes, Jesus responds with truth and love. Walk today in the boldness of knowing that if He is in it, He will provide for you.

*This concludes the first week of examining Peter’s life and how it applies to our own Here to There journey. Take a moment to consider your biggest takeaways from this week. Write them on back, and consider sharing them with us by sending an email to HereToThere@nmc.church.