HOW TO WALK ON THE WATER
Matt 14:22-30
22." And immediately He made the disiples get into the boat, and go ahead of Him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.23.And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.24.But the boat was already many stadia (A stadion was about 600 feet) away from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.25.And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea.26.And when the disciples way Him walking on the sea, they were frightened, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear.27.But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." 28.And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."29.And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.30.But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord save me."
INTRODUCTION
When we think of Peter and his walking on the water, many things come to mind
--his sinking
--his doubt
--his lack of trust
--maybe he’s a showoff
--etc.
But very little do we think of a very important part of it, and that is his faith to get out of the boat. He wanted to be with Jesus and took the first step of obedience, when Jesus said come.
5 WAYS TO WALK ON THE WATER
I) TO HEAR THE LORD
14:27/ Ps.46:1 & 10
A) To hear the Lord
1.Have a willing Heart 1 Sam. 3/ Acts 9:6
2.Have a desire to Hear Jer.29:10-14
3.Know His voice John 10:4
Sheep know the voice of the Shepherd.
II) RECOGNIZE THE LORD
14:28-29
Peter asked for a sign
A)Need to Recognize
1.His Power; Sea Walker
2.His Authority; Matt. 7:28-29
3.His Perfect Will; Rom.12-1-2
III) TAKE THE FIRST STEP
14:29
Step out of the boat
Didn’t look at the storm
Peter had 1 purpose -- to be with Christ
A) Leap of faith
Actually walked on the water
Take the initiative & trust Him for the rest
John Wesley "Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God"
IV) IGNORE THE SURROUNDING CIRCUMSTANCES
Walked on water while focusing on Jesus
When he looked at the storm he went down.
The storm came and the disciples kept going.
We can’t quit in tough times.
A) We can’t control the circumstances
But we can control our attitude.
-- Be positive
-- Be trusting
V) FAITH IS THE SECRET
1.Keep eyes on Him
--If circumstance/ not trusting
--the area that needs improvement
2.Trust His leading
Prov.3:5-6
--Don’t Understand - Hold Tighter
3.He still has power over the storm
Heb.13-8
CONCLUSION
Are you ready to walk on water-- It’s not impossible
Faith is the Secret
