Step Out in Faith

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Thursday, August 1, 2025

Today's Text: Matthew 14:22-33

Key Verse: Matthew 14:28 (ESV): "And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.'"

Witg great delight, I welcome you to this month of August as it arrives with new waves of promises and possibilities. I see a fresh slate of divine presence and goodness as we step into this new month. I can only pray that your faith awakens, hope ignites, and joy overflows, as we watch the Lord's unfold His unstoppable plans for our lives. I am already thrilled about this. And I am feeling a surge of courage to face any impossible situation available for you. Only never let your faith be replaced by fear. Peter, in Matthew 14:28, finds himself in a difficult situation. But then he saw Jesus walk on water. It was a moment of choice: whether to remain in his situation, or step out of the boat with audacious faith.

This morning, as we begin another month in the presence of God, we are charged on the key matters of faith: courage in the face of doubt, and the ultimate rescue that comes by faith in Jesus. The Bible presents us with this story of Peter to teach us that our focus must remain on Jesus, not on the storms around us. We too can boldly cry to Jesus, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Peter demonstrates a blend of faith and caution. He was willing to step out of the boat, but only with a direct command from Jesus. O yes, we've got to be sure it's God, and not our human religious fantasies.

This is a powerful lesson for us today. There may be fire, wind and cloud as in the days of Elijah, and God's not in it. But, if it is Jesus, and our boldest steps of faith in direct response to His call. That is, we are acting on His word, we can do the impossible. However, like Peter, we all easily become distracted by the "wind and waves" of life—our fears, doubts, and circumstances—and that's the point in which we begin to sink. As we face this new month, I hear the gentle voice of Jesus, saying, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Please step out whatever boat of doubt and fear. Jesus is always there to help, pull, and save you, even when your faith wavers. Your faith may not be perfect, but your Savior is. Hallelujah! Happy New Month!

Action Steps: Identify your boat. This may be anything holding you back from stepping out in faith. It could be fear, comfort, or a lack of trust. Fix your gaze on Jesus in challenging situations. Shift your focus from the "storm" to Jesus. When you feel sinking, cry out to Jesus for help. He is always ready to reach out and pull you up.

Quote for the Day: "Faith is the ability to move forward despite fear." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequotes)

Dear Dear Heavenly Father, we step into this new month of August, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation. Thank You for the example of Peter's faith, who took a step of courage in the midst of uncertainty, and for Your unwavering faithfulness that never falters. Lord, we ask that You help us to hear Your voice clearly in this new season. Give us the boldness to step out of our comfort zones when You call. Strengthen us when doubts creep in and our faith wavers. May this month be filled with divine encounters, spiritual growth, and opportunities to serve You with joy — in Jesus's most glorious name, we pray. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 119:105, Hebrews 11:6, and James 1:6.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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