The Storm Is Almost Over

The Storm is Almost Over

Matthew 14:22-31

It seems that this is a time for storms.

Whether it be:

Family

Finances

Sickness

Depression

Temptations… You are just battling away and looking for not only for a way out but some are just looking for answers.

For some of us, we have been in the storm way too long. And it’s our fault because while the storm passed on by, we chose to remain in the devastation. We chose to live in the mess that these storms created.

Read Matthew 14:22-31

I just want to point out a few things that God showed me while studying this passage of scripture. Let’s just go verse by verse.

First you have to understand, storms are a way of life. There will never be a year that will go by that we will not see threatening weather in our area. It’s just a part of life for where we live in Alabama.

And the same goes for our Christian life. Storms are going to take place. But it’s how we react when they come upon us that’s the question.

The disciples have just finished helping serve 5000 men in addition to the women and children. They did this from a boy’s lunch of two fish and five loaves of bread.

They have just watched Jesus perform a great miracle. Not to mention the leftovers!

Jesus makes his disciples get into the boat and go to the other side. A storm starts brewing.

The wind becomes contrary

Jesus is up in the mountain praying

The disciples were starting to get concerned

v. 22-24

The storm came while they were in God’s Will

Many people think that they are in a storm because of a sin they have committed when in fact, these guys were doing exactly what Jesus commanded them to do.

Stop worrying about how you got in the storm and start working on getting out.

· What did I do to deserve this?

· I must have sinned bad to have this trial

(Ex. Person drowning – working on getting out instead of how they got in)

You have got to realize that these storms are going to come. This will not be your last one.

v. 26 - They didn’t recognize Jesus when He came to them.

It is not like they haven’t seen Him in a while. They had just spent time with him and a full day has not passed. He comes walking toward them and they are frightened.

But isn’t that just like us. We don’t see Jesus in our storms? Why?

We are so caught into what we are going through that we don’t recognize when God shows up.

The disciples couldn’t see Jesus due to the fact that their attention was on the storm that was around them.

I know the storms get rough…

I know the storms batter our ships (our lives)

I know it’s not the best place to be in…

But I had much rather be in a storm while sitting in the center of God’s will than to be out of God’s will wandering where He is.

· I have financial difficulty – Where is Jesus in all of this

· I am sick – Where is Jesus in all of this?

· People have given up on me – Where is Jesus?

Get your eyes off the storms and start looking for Jesus.

v. 26 – The bible says the disciples cried out in fear. Not because of the storm but because they thought the saw a ghost.

In their defense, they were witnessing Christ walking on the water. They were fearful for the storm and wanted some help but were scared at the help they were getting.

You know:

God may not always show up in an angel outfit

There maybe times where His way of getting you to your next level comes in form of something that scares you.

Anytime God moves us up, He is moving you out of your comfort zone of service. Why does He do that?

We get so comfortable in our situations and circumstances that we start living as though we don’t need Him. So just about the time you get settled, God will send a storm in your life that causes you to turn back to Him.

v.27 - But He does offer this encouragement:

“It is I, be not afraid”

Jesus comes toward the ship walking on water and says the same words that He wants you to hear:

“It is I, be not afraid”

v. 28 – Peter speaks up.

Jesus if that is you, bid me to come to you on the water.

While everyone else sat around wandering, Peter was tired of waiting. He wanted to know if there was any need for him to be scared any longer.