Still in the Boat

Matthew 14:22-33

June 14, 2026

Summary

This sermon centers on the familiar story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:22-33. Tim draws attention not just to Peter's bold step of faith, but to the eleven disciples who remained in the boat. Using this contrast, the message explores why so many of us, even as committed followers of Jesus, choose to stay in the safety of what we know rather than stepping out in faith toward Jesus.

Intro Prayer

Lord, thank you for bringing us together today. As we open your Word and discuss what it means to truly trust you, we ask that you soften our hearts and open our minds. Help us to set aside our assumptions and comfort zones, and let your Spirit speak directly to each of us in the way we need to hear it most. May this time together draw us closer to you and to one another. In Jesus name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one thing you have tried for the first time in the past year, and how did it go?

Key Verses

  • Matthew 14:22-33
  • Matthew 14:25
  • Matthew 14:29-31

Questions

  1. The disciples were following Jesus instructions exactly and still ended up in a storm. Have you ever done the right thing and still faced hardship? How did that affect your trust in God? 
  2. The sermon emphasizes that God promises to be with us in the storm, not to remove us from it. How does that shift in perspective change the way you approach difficult seasons of life?
  3. Mighty works of God are often first met with hesitancy or skepticism. Why do you think we tend to be cautious or even doubtful when God seems to be moving in powerful ways?
  4. Peter experienced walking on water only after he stepped out of the boat. Can you think of a time when you experienced God's blessing or power after taking a step of obedience, even when it felt risky?
  5. The eleven disciples who stayed in the boat were effectively placing more trust in the boat than in Jesus. What does it look like practically to trust a human construct or system more than God?
  6. Tim lists several examples of boats people hold onto, including finances, parenting decisions, workplace ethics, and church comfort zones. Which of these resonates most with you, and why?
  7. The closing challenge is that it is better to be in the storm with Jesus than to be comfortable in the boat without Him. What would it look like for you personally to let go of your boat this week?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific area of your life where you have been trusting your own plans, resources, or comfort more than you have been trusting Jesus. Write it down, pray over it each day, and take one concrete step of faith toward letting go of that boat and trusting God with it instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Following Jesus does not guarantee a storm-free life. The disciples were obeying Jesus directly and still found themselves in the middle of a dangerous storm.
  • Jesus is present with us in the storm. The promise of Scripture is not that we avoid hardship, but that we never face it alone because Jesus is right there with us.
  • We experience God's power after steps of obedience. Peter walked on water only because he first stepped out of the boat, which reflects a consistent pattern throughout Scripture.
  • Most of us are the eleven, not Peter. The vast majority of people, even devoted followers of Jesus, tend to stay in the boat out of fear, uncertainty, or comfort.
  • Our boats are anything we trust more than Jesus. Whether it is finances, career, family plans, or church preferences, anything we cling to for security above God becomes a boat that keeps us from experiencing His power.

Ending Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the time we have shared together today around your Word. You have reminded us that you are faithful, that you are present in every storm, and that you call us to trust youmore fully in every area of our lives. Give us the courage to identify the boats we are holding onto and the faith to let them go. May we be people who step out toward you, even when it is scary, trusting that you will reach out your hand and catch us. We want to experience you, not just watch from a distance. Lead us, guide us, and grow our faith this week. In Jesus name, amen.