Scripture reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Ever wonder why some things float in water and others sink? It all comes down to Archimedes’ principle. If an object can displace enough water to match its weight, it floats. That’s how boats stay afloat on water. However, if something is heavier and denser than water, such as a rock, it sinks. Gravity pulls it down harder than the water can push it up.

Now think about this: humans are too heavy and dense to float on water, especially without help. So when Jesus came walking on the sea, His disciples were terrified. They thought they were seeing a ghost! But Jesus said, “Take heart; it is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Science helps us to understand how the world works. But Jesus showed that He isn’t limited by the laws of nature. He made those laws, and He can step over them whenever He wants. With God, nothing is impossible.

But here’s the key: you need to believe.

Science works whether you believe it or not. But faith? Faith is different. Faith opens the door to the impossible, not because of who we are, but because of who we believe in.

Peter got a taste of that. When he saw Jesus walking on water, he said, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come.” Jesus said, “Come.” And Peter actually walked on water! That is, until he took his eyes off Jesus. Peter noticed the boisterous wind and the waves and got scared. Fear crept in. He looked away from Jesus and started to sink. That’s what fear does. Fear, like gravity, pulls you down. Faith keeps you up. When life gets stormy, don’t let fear take over. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Trust His voice more than the noise around you. Peter didn’t sink because the storm got worse. He sank because his faith wavered.

Peter may have started sinking, but the moment he cried out, Jesus grabbed him. He didn’t let him drown. And He won’t let you drown either.

Life can feel like a storm sometimes. But if you keep your focus on Jesus, faith will keep you afloat no matter how bad it gets.

Let us pray

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me that You are not limited by the laws of nature. You walk upon what should drown me. You calm what seeks to overwhelm me.

When fear grips my heart and the storms around me roar, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You. Teach me to trust in Your word more than the waves. Strengthen my faith so I may walk boldly where You call me, even when it seems impossible.

Help me to stay afloat in faith, not by my strength, but by holding on to You. Let fear lose its grip, and let Your perfect love carry me through every high and low.

In Your mighty name I pray, Amen.

Reflections