Rev. Leonard King
Matthew 14:28-31
Be willing to step out in your doubt — just like Peter did.
Peter didn’t wait until he felt strong, courageous, or certain. He didn’t wait for the waves to settle or the wind to stop. When Jesus said “Come,” Peter moved. And that single, shaky step became the doorway to a miracle.
This sermon from Rev. Leonard King invites us into that same tension — the place where faith and fear meet, where storms rage but Jesus calls anyway.
The Power of “Come”
Rev. King made an important distinction between the Greek and Hebrew understanding of the word “come.”
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In Greek, the word used in the New Testament simply means to approach — to move toward someone or something.
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In Hebrew, the root idea carries a deeper expression: “come — and keep moving.” It’s not a moment; it’s momentum. It’s an ongoing action, not a one-time response.
Both languages say “come,” but the Hebrew expression reminds us that faith requires continuous motion. It’s not just stepping out once — it’s choosing to keep stepping even when fear tries to pull you under.
Moving Toward Jesus, Not Toward the Storm
When Peter stepped out of the boat, he wasn’t moving toward the storm.
He was moving toward Jesus.
Rev. King said something powerful: The storm knew exactly what it was — chaos, noise, confusion — but Jesus said “Come anyhow.”
Jesus invites you in the middle of the things that intimidate you.
He invites you in the middle of the overwhelm.
He invites you in the middle of uncertainty.
He initiates the miracle, but your faith keeps it moving.
Faith Must Move
Hebrews 11 teaches us that faith is believing beyond what we can see.
James reminds us that faith without works — without movement — is dead.
Sometimes we want to tell God:
“This storm feels too heavy.”
“The waves are too high.”
“The path is too unclear.”
But Rev. King reminded us:
God will never let you sink in what He has called you to walk on.
If He called you to it, He will carry you through it.
Fix Your Focus
Like a camera lens, your focus determines your clarity.
The waves were loud.
The wind was fierce.
The path was uncertain.
But Jesus’ question remains the same:
Will you come anyhow?
Not because the storm is small —
but because your Savior is greater.
Your focus will determine whether you panic or whether you walk.
He Will Not Let You Sink
Scripture says that when Peter began to sink, Jesus immediately stretched out His hand.
He didn’t let Peter drown in doubt.
He didn’t wait for Peter to find his footing on his own.
He didn’t shame him for looking at the waves.
He reached.
That hand was grace.
Grace that exceeds our weakness.
Grace that fills the gap between belief and unbelief.
Grace that strengthens where we struggle.
Rev. King reminded us that sometimes God’s rescue looks unfamiliar at first — even frightening, like a “ghost.” But His hand is always extended before we fall.
Grace Will Lift You
Let this settle in your spirit:
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Grace will lift what fear tries to sink.
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Failure is not your final destination.
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You step out, even in doubt, and Jesus meets you.
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His power is made perfect in your weakness — especially in His hand holding yours.
Every time you step out, even with trembling faith, Jesus is already reaching.
He didn’t let Peter sink.
And He won’t let you either.
If this message spoke to you, don’t let it stop here.
Take a moment this week to reflect, step out, and trust God again — even in the places that feel uncertain.
