Transformed – teen devotion – August 13, 2023

One truth shared: When experiencing moments of doubt, you can trust the truth of Jesus’ words of never-failing love and promises.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Matthew 14:27-31

Someone Worth Trusting

Come on, Peter! Really?! What is your problem?!

There Jesus was, standing on the water. This was so abnormal that the disciples first thought it was a ghost. But Jesus calmed them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid!” Phew! It’s Jesus!

Peter, as usual, was quick to speak (and speak boldly). He asked if he could walk on the water with Jesus, to which the Lord replied, “Sure, come on down!” So Peter gets down out of the boat, probably quite carefully and slowly, and miraculously, he’s walking on the water too! You gotta be kidding me! This is awesome!

But then he looked elsewhere. He saw the wind and the waves and likely had a more logical moment, “Wait . . . how is this possible? Humans don’t walk on water. What if the waves are too strong? What if this doesn’t last? What if I sink? What if . . .”

Peter! Really?! What is your problem?! You are literally living a miracle. You are literally face to face with Jesus with his promise to walk on water still ringing in your ears! How could you doubt?!

But Peter isn’t alone, is he? You might not have walked on water before, but surely those questions have plagued your mind:

“What if I drown in my homework? . . . What if I don’t pass this test? . . . What if my dad loses his job? . . . What if I don’t get accepted into college? . . . What if grandma’s cancer doesn’t get better? . . . What if . . .”

From the very beginning in the Garden of Eden, Satan has been tempting people in the same way. He first sparked doubt in Adam and Eve by asking, “Did God really say?” Suddenly doubts flooded their minds, wondering if God was holding back on them or if there was something better they were missing. So they ate the fruit because they doubted God’s love and God’s words.

Satan did the same with Peter. Peter doubted Jesus’ words that clearly told him to come and walk on the water, and he doubted Jesus’ love that he would keep him safe. And Satan still does the same today. He wants nothing more than for you to doubt Jesus’ words to you and love for you today.

Dear teen, look at the blood-stained cross. Look at the empty tomb. They are all the proof you would ever need. God’s love for you is boundless and endless. God’s promises never fail. God’s words are always true. Trust the God who so loved the world that he sent his Son for you. Jesus reached out his hand to grab Peter when he was sinking in doubt, and he does the same for you. Listen to your Savior and trust him always as he says, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Prayer: Jesus, so often doubts fill my mind. I can hardly help it. My sinful heart is so broken and it’s so hard to trust. But I know that you’ve never failed me. I know that your words are always true. I know that you love me. Give me a confident and courageous faith that always trusts, even when I’m sinking. Amen.

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