Spiritual Warfare: 'Don’t Fear Leaving Safety to Follow Jesus'

God's Power for Our Battles — Wednesday, December 23, 2026

Peter said, "Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water." Jesus said, "Come." And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted,"Lord, save me!"
— Matthew 14:28-30 NCV

Today's Prayer

Lord, You can make anything possible. Walking on water is impossible, but YOU did it-and Peter did it, too. Help me to follow Your voice and Your lead wherever You want me to go. Help me to hear Your voice and know it’s You. Help me to have the faith to get out of my own boat and travel the path You have called me to-whatever it is and wherever it goes; even if the world thinks I’m crazy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

11 Related Resources by Heartlight

On the Savior, Not the Storm
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"Then Peter called to [Jesus as he was walking on the water], "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." "Yes,..."
Spurgeon PM Devo for Jan. 14th
Devo: Morning & Evening
"Sinking times are praying times with the Lord's servants. Peter neglected prayer at starting upon his venturous journey, but when he began to sink his..."
At the End of Ourselves
Article by Melissa Troyer
Why do we limit our lives to the mundane of only what we can see? Why, oh why, do we cling to safety over being truly alive? Melissa Troyer talks about coming to the end of our own abilities, resources, and power to fix ourselves, our problems, and deal with our difficult situations on our own, and then we ask for help and prayer.
True Peace
Article by Bill Sherrill
What happens after I leave the calm place? Bill Sherrill shares about finding a quiet space where he can share in the joy and blessing of the Lord's peace, but he also talks about the times and places the Lord blesses him in the middle of terror, storm, and fear.
See All 11 Related Resources about Matthew 14:28-30

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 14:28-30 NCV — Peter said, "Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water." Jesus said, "Come." And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted,"Lord, save me!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, December 23, 2026

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Wisdom of the Cross' (1 Co. 1:18-21)
"Dear Father, author of all true wisdom, You have said, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will thwart." Where..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 29:15
"The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Can't Be Shut Up! (Part 2)' (Acts 5:22-25)
"But when the Temple guards went to the jail, the [apostles] were gone. So they returned to the council and reported, "The jail was securely locked,..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'I AM the Messiah' (Jn. 4:26)
"Then Jesus told [the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well], "I AM the Messiah!""

About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

More Spiritual Warfare