GET OUT OF THE BOAT
THE TIME IS NOW (2)
January 19, 2015HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER GOD
February 19, 2015MATT 14: 22-34
1. STORMS ARE A REALITY OF LIFE.
JESUS IS THE MASTER IN THE MIDST OF STORMS
IN FEAR, JESUS LOOKS LIKE A GHOST.
2. GET OUT OF THE BOAT (TAKE THAT STEP OF FAITH)
a. When you know God is in it, you can step out.
b. The water becomes solid ground only after you have stepped out.
c. It is only those who step out that experience the miracle.
d. Those who stay in the boat may look safe but they will never experience adventures with God.
3. THE MIRACLE IS IN LOOKING AT JESUS.
Peter walked on water as long as he looked at Jesus. The power was in Jesus and as long as he was connected he kept walking.
Peter may have got so excited and wondered how powerful he is.
He may have looked at the storm all around and began imagining the worst. Both of those took away the focus.
My life focus is not in what God is doing but on looking at Him.
Our success will be in getting closer to Jesus even as we walk on the water. Do not allow the blessing you got to take away that intimate relationship with God. You cannot be too busy to go to church, to read the word , to pray. You cannot allow anything to take away your focus.
4. PETER VS. THE OTHER DISCIPLES
Just like any of his friends, fisherman not very experienced
The willingness to step out.
Faith to take Jesus at his Word.
Guts to risk failure
Not ability, qualifications, experience.
The other guys were spectators, they marveled but they never experienced. Some criticized.
5. REACH OUT WHEN SCARED.
You will not drown if you reach out and grab his hand
Slipping does not mean you are finished, cry out to God he will hold you up.
Peter walked side by side with Jesus next time around, he kept closer to him.
CALL TO ACTION
Many of us are in one of this situations and God wants us to respond to Him.
1. THOSE DROWNING
· Tried but are now sinking
· Discouraged by the hardship of the journey.
· Used to walk with God but compromise came in.
2. THOSE IN THE BOAT:
· Procrastinators
· Fear to take a step
· Those spectators.
· Those with un-belief.
· Those who do not believe in Jesus at all
