Introduction

Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. Today we gather to learn about the power of Christ's presence, the courage of walking in faith, and the peace we can find in life's storms.

Charles Spurgeon once wrote: "To trust God in the light is nothing, but to trust Him in the dark – that is faith."

Let us read from Matthew 14:22-33:

"Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. 'It’s a ghost,' they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.' 'Lord, if it’s you,' Peter replied, 'tell me to come to you on the water.' 'Come,' he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?' And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'"

The Power of Christ's Presence

In this story, we see the disciples in a boat, far from land, and facing a fierce storm. They are alone, afraid, and seemingly helpless against the forces of nature. Yet, in the midst of their fear and uncertainty, Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. This is not just a demonstration of His divine power, but also a powerful testament to His abiding presence with His disciples, even in the midst of their storm.

A tangible reality that can change our circumstances and responses: When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, their fear was replaced with awe, and their despair turned into hope. This is the power of Christ's presence. It does not necessarily remove the storm, but it changes our perspective of it. It reminds us that we are not alone, that we have a Savior who is with us, and who is greater than any storm we may face.

His interaction with Peter: When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he wanted to join Him. Jesus invited him to come, and Peter, in faith, stepped out of the boat and began to walk on the water. But when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the wind and the waves, he began to sink. Yet, even then, Jesus was there. He reached out His hand and saved Peter. This shows us that the power of Christ's presence is not dependent on our faithfulness, but on His. Even when we falter and fail, He is there to save us.

Brings peace: When Jesus and Peter climbed into the boat, the wind died down. The storm ceased, and there was calm. This shows us that the presence of Christ can bring peace in the midst of our storms. Once again, it does not mean that we will not face storms, but it assures us that we can have peace in the midst of them because Christ is with us.

Leads to worship: When the disciples saw what had happened, they worshiped Jesus, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.' This is the ultimate response to the presence of Christ. It leads us to recognize who He is - the Son of God, our Savior, and our Lord - and to worship Him.

Walking in Faith

Walking in faith is a call to step out of our comfort zones, to trust God beyond our understanding, and to follow Him even when the path seems uncertain ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO