No One Can Climb A Smooth Mountain

No One Can Climb A Smooth Mountain

Sermon by Evangelist Jennifer A. Mears November 2005

Main Text: Matthew 14:22-33

God Will Use Unusual Circumstances To Educate and Equip us, and Lead us into or help us Enter Into A Greater Level

Introduction: God’s ways are not our ways. His dealings with mankind are a cause for wonder…many times “His Signs and Wonders (miracles) it confounds (confuses, astounds) the wise…”

God is using a storm to bring His disciples to a greater level. Anyone who is expecting to grow spiritually should expect storms and difficulties. There is a saying I have heard…that " no one can climb a smooth mountain."

READ Matthew 14:22-33 read NKJV (then go over some in Mssge Bible)

Mssg. Bible

Mat 14:22 As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people.

Mat 14:23 With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.

Mat 14:24 Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves.

(Placed in the storm but not left out there alone for long because)…

Mat 14:25 At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water.

Mat 14:26 They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror.

Mat 14:27 But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid."

Mat 14:28 Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water." (Faith exercised here)

Mat 14:29 He said, "Come ahead." Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus.

Mat 14:30 But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!"

Mat 14:31 Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?"

Mat 14:32 The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down.

Mat 14:33 The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, "This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!"

1. Obedience Will Not Stop the Storms From Coming. Matt. 14:22

A. Jesus sent the disciples into a storm.

B. Jesus sent the storm to the disciples.

C. Jesus sent the storm after they had sailed for a while.

2. Jesus Sees Us in the Storm. Mark 6:48

A. He saw them from a mountain.

B. He saw them from a great distance.

C. He watch them struggle for a while.

3. Jesus Will Show Up When the Storm is at Its Worst. Mark 6:48

A. He came when the wind was boisterous.

B. He came when the disciple had exhausted their resources.

C. He came when the disciples were at an extremity.

4. We Must Weather the Storm Until Jesus Comes.

A. We must keep sailing…keep paddling.

B. We must keep dipping the water out of the boat.

C. We must keep moving the weight around.

D. We must keep on the course God has set before us

(read the map and keep it close by – Bibiel)

5. Jesus Will Get Your Boat Ashore in a Hurry. John. 6:21

A. God can bring us quicker than human means.

B. God can move us without The use of time.

C. In an instance God will move us from difficulty to destiny.

6. Our Cry Will Cause God to Extend His Hands. Matt. 14:30

A. Peter began to sink.

B. Peter allowed his situation to suppress his faith.

C. Jesus saved him with a hand.

7. The Storm Will Cease When Jesus Enters Our Situation.

A. God will bring us to a greater level of peace.

B. God will bring us to a greater understanding of His Divine Dealings and Divine Connections.

C. God will bring us to a greater and deeper level of faith and trust in Him.

As believers, we must not allow storms to fill our Life Boat with fear. (just as we learn from our example of Jesus and His Disciples) We must realize that God can and will use storms to bring us to a higher level.

The sun will burn, the rain makes things wet, but only the winds moves stuff around…and let us remember that the winds may move us…but it is God who is moving the wind.

During Bad Times – We should pray!

When things get tough, always remember... Faith doesn’t get you around trouble, it gets you through it !!

A. Pray for God’s Guidance and To Come To Your Aid