
There are no divine miracles without decisive moments.
Matthew 14:22 (NIV) Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowd.
Matthew 14:23 (NIV) After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, He was there alone,
Even Jesus needed time alone with God.
Matthew 14:24 (NIV) and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Just because you are in the will of God it does not mean that life will be easy.
Matthew 14:25 (NIV) Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.
Matthew 14:26 (NIV) When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
Storms can cause us to fear.
Storms can cause us to be deceived.
THREE THINGS TO SAY IN YOUR STORM
Psalms 42:5 (NIV)
5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
You may need to talk to yourself instead of listening to yourself.
Psalms 42:5 (NLT)
5 Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—my Savior
Is. Done. Does.
Matthew 14:27 (NIV) But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
1. I Know Who Jesus Is
We find courage in who Jesus is.
Exodus 3:14 (NIV) God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
We find peace in who Jesus is.
Isaiah 43:13 (NIV)
13 Yes, and from ancient days I am He.
No one can deliver out of my hand.
When I act, who can reverse it?”
Matthew 14:28-30 (NIV) “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Sometimes we have enough faith to get us out of the boat, but not enough to keep us afloat.
We fear when we take our eyes off of Jesus.
We sink when we forget what He has said.
We are saved when we cry out to Him.
Romans 10:13 (NIV) for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Psalms 107:28-30 (NIV)
28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and He brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and He guided them to their desired haven.
Matthew 14:31 (NIV) Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
2. I Know What Jesus Has Done
Jesus has been faithful in the miraculous.
Jesus has been faithful in your life.
Mark 6:51-52 (NIV) Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
Is your heart hardened?
What is Jesus doing in your life today?
Psalms 23:4-6 (NIV)
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Matthew 14:32-33 (NIV) And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
3. I Know What Jesus Can Do
We worship the One who walks on water.
Psalms 103:1-5 (NIV)
1 Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
We trust the One who calms the storm.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV) Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Matthew 14:34-36 (NIV) When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to Him 36 and begged Him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
On the other side of your miracle is the opportunity for more of the miraculous.
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