“Come” — Confidence That Grows When You Step Out
Key Text:
“And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.” — Matthew 14:29 (KJV)
Some people struggle with insecurity.
Others struggle with weakness.
Some struggle with fear.
But many struggle with something else entirely: hesitation.
They believe God.
They love Jesus.
They want to serve.
They just keep waiting to feel ready.
Peter’s story shows us something important: confidence doesn’t usually come before obedience. It comes through obedience.
Peter Had Enough Faith to Ask — But Not Enough to Feel Secure
When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he didn’t jump out of the boat immediately. He asked a question:
“Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” — Matthew 14:28 (KJV)
Peter believed—but he wanted assurance.
Jesus didn’t give a speech.
He didn’t explain the physics.
He didn’t promise safety.
He said one word:
“Come.”
That word carried both a command and a promise.
Confidence Began When Peter Moved His Feet
Peter did not feel confident stepping out of the boat. Nothing about that moment felt safe or logical. Boats are where you survive. Water is where you sink.
But Peter stepped out anyway.
And when he did, something happened.
“He walked on the water, to go to Jesus.” — Matthew 14:29 (KJV)
Confidence didn’t create obedience.
Obedience created confidence.
Peter discovered strength he didn’t know he had—because Christ met him after he stepped out.
Why We Hesitate
Many young people hesitate for the same reasons Peter could have:
What if I fail?
What if I look foolish?
What if I mess this up?
What if I sink?
Hesitation feels responsible, but spiritually, it often disguises fear.
God does not usually remove uncertainty before calling us to act. Faith, by definition, moves forward without guarantees.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)
Fear Grows When We Focus on Circumstances
Peter’s miracle did not end because Jesus left him. It ended when Peter shifted his focus.
“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” — Matthew 14:30 (KJV)
The moment Peter focused on the storm instead of Christ, fear returned.
The same thing happens to us.
Confidence weakens when we measure calling by circumstances instead of by Christ’s command.
Jesus Did Not Condemn Peter for Trying
One of the most important parts of this story is what Jesus didn’t do.
He did not mock Peter.
He did not reject him.
He did not let him drown.
“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him.” — Matthew 14:31 (KJV)
Jesus corrected Peter—but only after saving him.
Ellen G. White writes:
“The Lord does not require us to do anything without giving us strength to do it.” — Steps to Christ, p. 68.
Failure while obeying is not rejection.
It is instruction.
Confidence Is Built Through Action
Peter learned something the other disciples did not—because they stayed in the boat.
They were safe.
But they never walked on water.
Those who never step out never discover what God can do through them.
Ellen White states a principle that applies directly here:
“Strength comes by exercise.” — Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 353.
Faith that is never exercised never grows strong.
Confidence that is never tested never develops.
God Often Says “Come” Without Explaining the Path
God’s call in your life may not sound dramatic. It may simply be a quiet “come”:
Come pray out loud
Come speak to that friend
Come help lead
Come serve
Come stand for truth
Come trust Me
You may not feel confident.
You may not feel prepared.
But God’s call always includes His presence.
Confidence Is Not the Absence of Fear
Peter still felt fear.
But he acted anyway.
Confidence in Christ does not mean fear disappears.
It means fear no longer controls obedience.
“The just shall live by faith.” — Hebrews 10:38 (KJV)
Faith moves forward while fear screams to stay still.
What This Means for You
If God is calling you to step into ministry, service, or leadership, do not wait until you feel confident.
Confidence grows when you obey.
You may stumble.
You may feel unsure.
You may even sink for a moment.
But Jesus is close enough to catch you.
Reflection Thought
You don’t become confident by staying in the boat.
You become confident by stepping toward Jesus.
When He says “Come,” trust Him enough to move.
Prayer Thought:
“Lord, I hear Your call, but I hesitate. Give me the courage to step out in faith. Help me trust You more than my fear, and grow confident as I walk toward You.”
Written by -
Pastor Jorge Alvarado