When You Start to Sink – August 14, 2026
Read: Matthew 14:22-33
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31
When You Start to Sink
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Peter was doing it. He was really doing it. The wind was blowing. The waves were splashing. The boat was bouncing around like a rubber duck in a bathtub. And Peter was walking on top of the water toward Jesus.
That isn’t normal! People can walk on sidewalks, grass, and through puddles if they are wearing the right shoes. But people do not walk on top of lakes during storms. Unless Jesus tells them to do it.
At first, Peter trusted Jesus’ directions. Jesus said, “Come,” and Peter stepped out of the boat. But then Peter noticed the wind. He saw the waves. He felt the storm. And suddenly, the storm looked bigger than Jesus. And Peter began to sink.
That can happen to us, too. God’s Word says Jesus is with us. God’s Word says our sins are forgiven. God’s Word says our Father in heaven hears our prayers. But then we notice the “wind and waves.” Maybe it’s a friendship that suddenly feels shaky. Maybe it’s the dark room at bedtime. Maybe it’s the question you’re nervous to ask. Maybe it’s the “what if?” that keeps splashing around in your mind. And suddenly, the storm of life feels bigger than our Savior.
What you do in that moment of fear and panic is important. You can try with all your might to stay on top of the water or do your best to swim. But those won’t cut it. You’re still going to find yourself sinking deeper and deeper until . . . gone. Lost under the waves of sin, shame, fear, and guilt.
But look what Jesus did. Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. Not after a moment; immediately. Jesus did not stand there and shout, “Peter, try harder.” He did not say, “Peter, swim back by yourself.” Jesus reached for him. Jesus caught him. Jesus saved him.
That is what Jesus does for doubting, sinking sinners. He reaches out with his Word. He reaches out with his promises. He reaches out with the forgiveness he won by his cross and empty tomb. He reached out to you in the waters of your Baptism, where he washed you clean and saved you from drowning in the depths of your sin.
Christians are not different because they never feel afraid. Christians are different because, when fear rises and faith feels weak, they know who to call. “Lord, save me!” And Jesus does.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, when fear and doubt make us feel like we are sinking, help us call out to you. Thank you for reaching out to save us with your strong and gracious love. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Pretend your hand is sinking down into water. Now use your other hand to catch it. Who caught Peter?
- When can you say Peter’s prayer, “Lord, save me!”?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Peter saw the wind and waves and became afraid. What “wind and waves” can make kids feel afraid today?
- Why is the word “immediately” such a comforting word in this story?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What is the difference between pretending storms are not real and trusting Jesus in the middle of them?
- When faith feels weak, why is “Lord, save me!” still a strong prayer?
