Do It 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.” — Matthew 14:28–29 NIV

Fear can be a powerful thing.

The actor Will Smith was addressing an audience about confronting fear. He started by sharing an experience where, one evening, he was encouraged to go skydiving the very next day. Well, I think testosterone and peer pressure took over and he said “yes” – but then spent the entire night regretting his rushed response.

As he talked the audience through his night of terror and trepidation leading up to the jump, there was a defining moment when it all changed, and his fears turned to joy. Bundled out of the plane in tandem with an instructor, he experienced the incredible feeling of free-fall “flying” and went on to say….

“God placed the best things in life on the other side of terror. On the other side of your maximum fear are all the best things in life.”

There is a spiritual principle here that we see throughout Scripture.

Sometimes the place God is calling us to isn’t the place that feels safest. Faith will occasionally require us to leave what is familiar and comfortable and step into what is unknown.

But here’s the difference:

God isn’t calling us to live in a “fear zone.” He’s inviting us into a faith zone.

It’s a place of adventure and miracles. It’s a Divine partnership God wants us to embrace. When we completely trust Him, obeying His every instruction and step into union with Him, He will pour out so much blessing on your life.

Don’t let fear steal from you.

Whatever it is you’re facing, ask God to help you, strengthen you and if you have to, do it afraid.

Remember Peter, who stepped out of the boat and walked on water? Do you think he was afraid? Well, the disciples were already frightened because they thought they were seeing a ghost, but then Matt 14:28 says,

““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.”

Was Peter afraid? Absolutely, but he stepped out of the boat keeping his eyes on Jesus.

Maybe God has been asking you to take a step. To start something new. To have a difficult conversation. To serve. To give. To trust Him with your future. To use the gift He’s placed inside you.

You may feel afraid. That’s okay. But don’t allow fear to make your decisions for you. Bring your fears to Jesus and ask Him for strength.

Paul told Timothy,

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV).

Step Into His Grace

There is a beautiful adventure in walking with God. We don’t have to know every detail before we obey the next instruction. Sometimes we simply need enough faith for the next step.

The boat may feel safe, but you weren’t created merely to stay in the boat. Jesus is calling you to trust Him.

So ask Him what your next step is. Then, when He says “Come,” don’t let fear have the final word.

Step out of the boat.
Do it afraid if you have to.
Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Trust your Heavenly Father.
And discover what can happen when ordinary obedience meets extraordinary grace.

Believe & Confess Meditation & Declaration

I declare that God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind [2 Timothy 1:7]. I choose to trust in the Lord with all my heart and acknowledge Him in all my ways [Proverbs 3:5–6]. I will fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith [Hebrews 12:2]. I believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me [Philippians 4:13]. When I am afraid, I will trust in God [Psalm 56:3]. I declare that I will not be afraid, because the Lord is with me; He will strengthen me and help me [Isaiah 41:10].

👉If this devotional encouraged you today, share it with a friend on social media or send it by email. Someone may be standing at the edge of their own “boat” today, and your encouragement could help them take the next step of faith with their eyes fixed on Jesus.

🌱 To help us continue producing these FREE resources would you consider sowing a seed using the link above or make a purchase from our online shop. Every little helps. Thank you!

THIS OFFER ENDS SOON👇