Introduction

Good morning, beloved congregation. I welcome you all, as we gather here today, not by accident, but by divine appointment. An appointment set by our loving Heavenly Father, who, in His infinite wisdom, has brought us together to share in His Word.

Our focus today is the story of Peter walking on water, a story that many of us are familiar with. It's found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 14, verses 29-30. Let's read together: "He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.'"

In this passage, we see three pivotal points: Focusing on Faith, Fearing not the Waves, and Following Jesus in the Storm. These points serve as a compass, guiding us through the turbulent sea of life, reminding us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our Savior, who calms the storm and stills the waves.

The renowned Christian preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, "I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages." This quote, my friends, encapsulates the essence of our discussion today. It is in our struggles, in our storms, that we are thrown against the steadfast love and mercy of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is in these moments of fear and uncertainty that we find our faith strengthened and our relationship with Him deepened.

But how do we maintain focus on our faith amidst life's storms? How do we resist the fear of the waves that threaten to consume us? And how do we continue to follow Jesus even when the storm rages around us? These are the questions we will seek to answer today.

Focusing on Faith

The Bible tells us that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. It's like a muscle that needs to be exercised and strengthened. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, our faith is fortified. It's like a spotlight in a dark room, illuminating our path and guiding us forward.

In the story of Peter walking on water, we see an incredible display of faith. Peter steps out of the boat, onto the water, and begins to walk towards Jesus. He doesn't question the physics of it. He simply steps out in faith. But then something happens… Peter takes his eyes off Jesus. He looks at the wind and the waves around him. He allows fear to creep in, and he begins to sink. His faith wavers, and he cries out to Jesus for help.

Application: When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, we can do the impossible. We can walk on water. But when we take our eyes off Jesus, when we allow fear and doubt to creep in, we begin to sink. While we may not be called to literally walk on water, we are nevertheless called to step out in faith every day. We are called to trust in God's promises, to believe in His goodness, and to rely on His strength.

Faith is an active, dynamic, and powerful force that propels us forward. It is the fuel that drives our spiritual growth and development. It is the foundation upon which our relationship with God is built. It is also a gift from God that we must nurture and cultivate. It requires effort and discipline. It requires us to spend time in God's Word, to pray, and to fellowship with other believers.

And finally, let's consider the role of faith in our relationship with God. We are called to trust, rely on, and surrender to His will. It is about acknowledging our own limitations and recognizing God's infinite power and wisdom. Faith is the bridge that connects us to God. It is the key that unlocks the door to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. It is the lens through which we view our circumstances, our challenges, and our victories.

Fearing not the Waves

Our text today paints a vivid picture of what happens when we focus on our problems instead of focusing on Jesus ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO