There’s a misconception that following Jesus is supposed to make life easier. That once we say “yes” to Him, the path forward should be smooth, free of resistance or suffering. I don’t know about you – but in my almost 40 years of ministry, I have not found that to be the case. And if we take an honest look at Scripture—and at the life of Peter—I believe we see a much different picture.
Matthew 14 tells us that after feeding the five thousand, Jesus insisted that His disciples get into a boat and go to the other side. They weren’t rebelling or ignoring Him—they were obeying. And where did obedience lead them? Right into a storm.
That’s something leaders especially need to wrestle with. You can be doing exactly what Jesus called you to do—stepping out in faith, leading others, living on mission—and still find yourself fighting against the wind and waves.
Peter was in the boat because Jesus told him to be. And when he saw Jesus walking on the water, he didn’t jump out presumptuously. He asked, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you.” He waited for the command. That’s a mark of maturity many of us skip—learning to move when God says move, not just when we feel bold or inspired.
When Jesus said “come,” Peter stepped out—and he walked on the water. He actually did it. But then he looked away. He took his eyes off Jesus and started focusing on the storm, and that’s when he began to sink. He was in the middle of a miracle and still let fear pull him under.
Sound familiar?
Whether you’re leading a ministry, a family, or just trying to be faithful in your sphere of influence, storms will come. Sometimes Jesus will say, “Peace, be still,” and calm the chaos around you. Other times, He’ll simply say, “I am with you. Don’t be afraid.”
Both are miracles.
Don’t miss this: Peter started to sink, but Jesus didn’t let him drown. He reached out, caught him, and walked him back to the boat. He didn’t shame him or disqualify him. He questioned his faith, yes—but He didn’t withdraw His hand.
If you’re in a storm right now, don’t assume you’re out of God’s will. Sometimes the storm is the will of God. It’s where He trains, refines, and reveals. Peter didn’t fail because he doubted. He grew because he stepped out in the first place. Sometimes the storm is the will of God. It’s where He trains, refines, and reveals. Peter didn’t fail because he doubted. He grew because he stepped out in the first place. Share on X
I want to encourage all of you who are following Jesus and in the middle of a storm, don’t give up because things are hard. Don’t retreat because the waters are rough. Keep your eyes on Jesus. He’s not just the one who called you out of the boat—He’s the one who walks on the water to meet you there.
And when—not if—you start to sink, cry out. He’s close enough to grab you. You’re not alone in the storm.
Don’t give up because things are hard. Don’t retreat because the waters are rough. Keep your eyes on Jesus. He’s not just the one who called you out of the boat—He’s the one who walks on the water to meet you there. Share on X
To watch Jim’s entire sermon on this topic, click below:
