What do you do when the storm is bigger than you are?

In this sermon, Mother Paige explores the unforgettable story of Jesus walking on water—and Peter doing the unthinkable: stepping out of the boat to meet him.

At first, Peter walks on the water. Then he notices the wind. Fear takes over. He begins to sink. And suddenly, his whole prayer comes down to three words:

“Lord, save me.”

Jesus immediately reaches out and catches him.

That moment reveals something important about faith. God never promises us a life without storms. Faith doesn’t mean we’ll never be afraid, overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure of what comes next. Instead, God promises to meet us in the middle of it all with grace, mercy, and love.

And sometimes, the storms we would never choose become the places where our deepest transformation happens.

Think about the lessons that have shaped your life. Did you learn them when everything was comfortable and predictable? Or did some of the most important lessons come through uncertainty, disappointment, loss, change, or fear?

From Peter stepping onto the raging sea to Joseph enduring years of hardship, Scripture reminds us that God is present even when life feels out of control.

When the waves rise, God is there.

When you’re exhausted, God is there.

When your courage disappears and all you can manage is “Lord, save me,” God is there.

You don’t have to be able to walk on water. You just need to remember who reaches for you when you begin to sink.

This sermon was preached at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Del Mar, California.

Scripture: Matthew 14:22–33

In this sermon: Jesus walks on water • Peter steps out of the boat • faith and doubt • finding God in difficult times • transformation through adversity • grace, mercy, and love • trusting God • Christian discipleship00:00 Opening Prayer00:11 Louis Crew Story01:17 Pentecost Season Theme02:24 Stormy Sea Setup03:17 Get In The Boat04:54 Fourth Watch Arrival06:17 Peter Steps Out06:48 Lord Save Me08:24 Lessons From Storms09:40 God With Us