The Hand That Never Lets Go

Matthew 14:22–33

I can’t explain why, but every time I read the passage where Jesus walks on the water, or even just see a painting of that moment, I cry. There’s something in it that touches a place in my heart I can’t fully put into words. Maybe it’s because I see myself in Peter, longing to be close to Jesus, bold enough to step out, yet so quick to sink when the wind gets loud.

The story begins right after Jesus has fed the five thousand. He sends the disciples ahead in a boat while He goes up a mountain to pray. Hours later, a storm rises, tossing them back and forth in the dark. And then… there He is… walking on the water toward them.

They don’t recognize Him at first. Fear can do that, it distorts our vision and makes even the presence of God look like a threat. But Jesus speaks through the fear: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Peter answers, “Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come to You on the water.” And when Jesus says “Come,” Peter steps out.

I imagine that first step must have felt like both the most impossible and the most exhilarating thing he’d ever done. The wind still roared, the waves still rose, but as long as his eyes were on Jesus, he was standing. Then the distraction came. His gaze shifted from Jesus to the storm, and suddenly he was sinking.

That’s the moment that undoes me every time. Because Peter cries out, “Lord, save me!” and immediately Jesus reaches out His hand and catches him.

There’s no hesitation. No lecture first. No letting him struggle to prove a point. Just the hand of the Savior, steady and sure, pulling him back up.

I think that’s why I cry, because I’ve been there. I’ve had moments when my faith was steady and my eyes were locked on Him… and I’ve had moments when the noise of life made me sink fast. But every single time I’ve cried out, He’s reached for me without delay.

And when they got into the boat, the wind stopped. The storm didn’t last forever. But the rescue, that moment of His hand closing around Peter’s, that’s what changed everything. The disciples worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

If you’re in the middle of your own storm today, hear His voice: “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Step toward Him. And if you start sinking, cry out. The hand that never lets go is already reaching for you.

Closing prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for always meeting me in the middle of the storm. When my eyes wander and my faith feels small, remind me that You are near. Teach me to step toward You even when the waves rise high, and to trust that Your hand is always ready to catch me. Calm my fears, steady my heart, and lead me back to a place of worship. Truly, You are the Son of God, and I choose to place my trust in You… today and every day.
Amen.