Getting Out of the Boat

Family Devotional

June 14, 2026

Devotional - Matthew 14:22-33

Most of us know the story of Peter walking on water. But have you ever thought about the other eleven disciples who stayed in the boat?
The disciples were exactly where Jesus told them to be, yet they still found themselves in a storm. Following Jesus doesn't mean life will always be easy. Sometimes the storm comes even when we're being obedient.
In the middle of the night, when fear and exhaustion were at their highest, Jesus came walking on the water. At first, the disciples were terrified. They didn't recognize that Jesus was coming to help them.
Peter did something the others didn't do—he stepped out of the boat. He wasn't perfect. He eventually took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. But Peter experienced something the others never did: he walked on water with Jesus.
The boat can represent anything we trust more than God. It might be our comfort, our plans, our abilities, or our desire to stay safe. Peter discovered that being with Jesus in the storm was better than staying in the safety of the boat without taking a step of faith.
God often asks us to trust Him before we can see what He is going to do. Faith is taking the next step, even when we don't have all the answers. When we trust Jesus and obey Him, we get to experience His power and presence in ways we never could if we stayed where it feels safe.

Key Truth

Faith isn't the absence of fear—it's trusting Jesus enough to take the next step.

Discussion Questions

Preschool (Ages 3-5)
  1. Who came walking on the water?
  2. Was Peter in the boat or out of the boat?
  3. Who helped Peter when he started to sink?
  4. What is one thing that makes you feel afraid?
  5. How can Jesus help us when we're scared?

Elementary (Ages 6-10)
  1. Why do you think the disciples were afraid during the storm?
  2. Why do you think Peter decided to get out of the boat?
  3. What happened when Peter focused on the wind and waves instead of Jesus?
  4. What is something God might want you to trust Him with?
  5. How can prayer help us keep our eyes on Jesus?

Teens (Ages 11-18)
  1. Why do you think the other disciples stayed in the boat?
  2. What "boats" can people trust in more than Jesus today?
  3. Why do we often want guarantees before we obey God?
  4. Describe a time when stepping out in faith felt risky.
  5. What might God be calling you to trust Him with right now?

Family Questions
  1. What do you think the eleven disciples missed by staying in the boat?
  2. Which is more dangerous: stepping out in faith or refusing to trust Jesus? Why?
  3. What is one "boat" our family may be tempted to trust more than God?
  4. What is one step of faith each family member can take this week?
  5. How have you seen God show up when you trusted Him?

Family Prayer
Jesus, thank You for coming to us in the middle of life's storms. Help us keep our eyes on You instead of our fears. Show us the places where we trust other things more than we trust You. Give us courage to step out in faith and follow wherever You lead. Amen.