Steps to Walking on the Water
(Matthew 14:22-32)
Introduction:
Someone has said, only Jesus can walk on water. We need to remember Simon Peter walked on water also. I have a sermon on this text called "The Storm" that I have preached almost everywhere I went. Not because it is that good but because I think it is something we need to hear in the times we live. I end my remarks by challenging people to walk on water spiritually, live above the storms of life, and walk on the water with Jesus in the times we live. What a testimony to the world we live in. I have found some more goodies in this text. Now I want to give you some steps to living above storms of life by walking on water.
1. You have got to want to get out of the boat.
Peter had been battling the wind and waves most of the night. He was tired of the battle. He wanted to walk with Jesus above the storm. Too many of us Christians are content with the boat life. We allow Satan and the cares life to keep us beaten down. We are not enjoying the abundant life that Jesus brings. (John 10:10) Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Let me challenge you to ask Jesus to help you get out of the boat and walk in victory with him above the storms of life. Someone has said, "We can never expect great things from God unless we attempt great things for God." Then get out of the boat and walk on water with Jesus. What a great time to show the world how to live above this storm. Walk-in faith with Jesus.
2. You must do what Jesus says.
Jesus said, "come," and when Peter was coming down out of the ship, he walked on water to go to Jesus. Had this been me, I would have had some questions. Are You sure this is what You want me to do? Should we wait until after the storm? Maybe I need a life jacket? When God began calling me to preach, my first question was, are You sure this is what You want me to do? I was born with a physical handicap and a speech impairment.
My good friend Rev. Brian Biggers says, "if Jesus tells you to pull a train with a bantam rooster, get a harness and hook him up." Just make sure it is Jesus telling you to do it.
3. You need to keep your eyes on Jesus.
Look at the text. If Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he could walk on water. When he began to look at things around him, he began to sink. It's easy in the world in which we live to become down and depressed. I think I'm the worlds worse. When I look at the world's condition and my problems, I sink quickly. I have been told all my life I couldn't, but when I keep my eyes on Jesus, I can!!
4. You must know if you begin to sink, Jesus will lift you up.
How do you think he got back to the boat after Jesus lifted him out of the waves? Did Jesus piggy-backed Peter back? I don't think so. I believe he got up and walked on water again. David said, "When I said, my foot slipped; Thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, held me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me Thy comforts delight my soul. (Psalm 94:18-19) The songwriter says: "You (Jesus) raise me up, so I can stand on mountains You raise me up to walk on stormy seas I am strong when I am on your shoulders You raise me up to more than I can be."
Conclusion
In the book Esther, when Mordecai tries to convince Queen Esther to go into the King for her people, he uses these words, "who knows whether thou art not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14b") Mordecai does not assert why Esther has been appointed queen but seems to imply that it very well could have been for a divine purpose. (Faith life study Bible). Could it be that you and I are here at this time to show the world around us how-to walk-in victory with Jesus?
