ACK Karaini Church – Confirmation Service
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph K. Kibucwa challenged Christians at ACK Karaini Church to confront fear with faith and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus Christ during difficult seasons.
Drawing from 1 Kings 19:9, which recounts Elijah’s flight from Jezebel, and Matthew 14:22 onwards, where Jesus walks on water and Peter steps out of the boat, the Bishop encouraged the congregation to trust God even when circumstances appear overwhelming.
The Bishop reflected on the disciples’ experience on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had sent them ahead to the other side, but a storm left them struggling on the sea at night. Their fear increased when they suddenly saw Jesus approaching them by walking on the water. From this dramatic encounter, the Bishop highlighted four lessons for Christian life.
Get Out of the Boat
The first lesson was a call to get out of the boat. The Bishop described the boat as representing the things that hold people captive to fear and prevent them from moving toward Christ.
He acknowledged that some fears are very real—such as sickness that has been confirmed or overwhelming debt. However, Christians are called to look beyond their circumstances and call upon Jesus, just as Peter asked Jesus to command him to come.
The Bishop also challenged believers to leave environments and behaviours that keep them away from God, including bad company, lies, gossip, and immorality. Sometimes stepping out of the boat means moving into an uncomfortable but faithful place where Christ is calling.
Faith Is Never Static
The second lesson was that faith is always moving. Faith is a journey rather than a static condition.
The Bishop pointed to Abraham, who was called to leave for a land he did not know, and Peter, who chose to step out of the boat in response to Jesus’ command. He also referenced Elijah, who received God’s instruction to continue his prophetic mission.
Christians, he emphasized, should therefore be willing to move forward in obedience even when they cannot see the entire journey ahead.
Keep Your Focus on Jesus
The third lesson was the importance of keeping one’s focus on Jesus Christ.
Peter was able to walk on the water while his attention remained on Jesus, but when he became distracted by the waves, fear took over. Bishop Kibucwa used the account to caution Christians against allowing circumstances and problems to become bigger than their faith.
When distractions take control, believers can lose their spiritual direction. The answer is to keep looking to Christ.
Call on Jesus in Times of Difficulty
Finally, the Bishop encouraged Christians to call upon Jesus when they encounter difficulty or make mistakes.
Peter’s response when he began to sink was to cry out to Jesus for help. The Bishop reminded the congregation that regardless of their circumstances, believers can call upon Christ with confidence.
The message was particularly relevant to the confirmation candidates as they begin a deeper journey of faith. Bishop Kibucwa encouraged them to step beyond fear, remain active in their faith, focus on Jesus, and remember that Christ is present even in the middle of life’s storms.
The service concluded with a strong reminder that faith requires movement, courage, and trust. Just as Peter was called out of the boat, Christians today are called to leave behind the fears and behaviours that hold them back and step forward in obedience to Christ.
