Chapel Recap: Get Out of the Boat

In today’s chapel, Dr. Bobby Lewis, Senior Pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, preached from Matthew 14:22–33. He called us to a deeper, bolder faith with a clear challenge: Get out of the boat.

Dr. Lewis first pointed to Jesus’ control over earthly trials. In verses 22–25, the disciples found themselves battling strong winds and waves, even though they were exactly where Jesus sent them. This passage reminds us that obedience does not spare us from storms. Instead, it reassures us that the storms we face are never outside of Christ’s authority. Drawing from John 16:33, Dr. Lewis emphasized that while trouble is promised in this world, peace is promised in Christ. Jesus sees the struggle, approaches His disciples in the midst of it, and remains fully sovereign over every circumstance.

Next, Dr. Lewis addressed how Jesus alleviates unfounded fears. When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, fear overwhelmed them. Yet Jesus immediately spoke words of comfort and authority. “There’s peace and power in the presence of the Lord,” Dr. Lewis said.

So why do we so often operate by fear instead of faith? Dr. Lewis explained that the wind and waves of circumstance cloud our vision. Like Peter, we may start strong, but when our focus shifts from Christ to our surroundings, fear takes over.

Dr. Lewis then highlighted how Peter found the courage to step out of the boat. Quoting Romans 10:17, he reminded us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of God. Peter didn’t step out based on emotion or impulse — he stepped out because Jesus spoke. “God has given every Christian a Word,” Dr. Lewis said. When God speaks, faith responds.

Even when Peter began to sink, Jesus was faithful to rescue him. “He’s still good because He’s still God,” Dr. Lewis reminded us. Christ offers unparalleled power, but we must cry out to Him in trust and dependence.

Dr. Lewis closed with a direct challenge: “If God says come, if God says go — do it, and be blessed.” Faith is not passive; it moves toward Jesus even when the waters are uncertain. The call of Matthew 14 is clear: Don’t settle for staying safe in the boat when Christ is inviting you to step out and trust Him.