(re)Write Your Story -

Intro

Andy Stanley Podcast

Setup

How do I want my story to be written?

Is it time to begin rewriting my story?

Layout

Peter walks on water but begins to sink

Peter runs to Jesus.

Main Text

Jesus is (re)writing your story in the storm.

Matthew 14:22–24 NLT

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.

It is safer in the storm in God’s will than on land out of God’s will.

There are storms of correction and there are storms of protection.

Matthew 14:25–27 NLT

About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

We must never judge our security based on circumstances alone.

Matthew 14:28–29 NLT

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.

Sometimes our greatest test lies in our ability to get out of the boat.

Anyone can sit in the boat and watch, but it takes a person of faith to leave the boat.

Matthew 14:30 NLT

But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

He may not come when you want or expect, but He shows up when you need Him the most.

Fear and faith cannot live in the same heart because has the ability to blind our eyes.

Matthew 14:31 NLT

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Doubt is translated “standing uncertainly at two ways”.

Peter started out with great faith but ended up with little faith because he saw two ways instead of one.

Isaiah 43:2 NLT

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

He sees your need, He knows your fears, and He is in control

Faith is not believing in spite of evidence, but obeying in spite of consequence.

How can I have faith like this?

Hebrews 12:2 NLT

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

He is the author and finisher of our faith, whatever He starts He completes.

Jesus is (re)writing your story with restoration.

Peter jumps out of the boat because he has been forgiven.

Describe the change in his action on the water.

Jesus does not stop at forgiveness, He also restores.

Restoration means returning to one’s former state, place, or condition.

Restoration is forgiveness without recollection.

John 21:15–17 NLT

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

Jesus turns three denials into three commissions.

Restoration often leads to transformation.

Romans 12:2 NLT

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

With these three questions, Peter is restored and transformed into an evangelist and a pastor.

The Holy Spirit can (re)write your story for His glory!

Closing

10 Years Ago - Saying Goodbye to Family and Friends

Gratitude (PC,Elder’s, Nathan, Praise Team, Band, Youth Leaders, Softball, Whole Church)

What we are doing.

1 Year Ago - Prophecy

2 Years Ago - Dream

4 Years Ago - Three Statements Western Wall

(Feed My Lambs, Take care of my sheep, Feed My Sheep)

Story of Our Life

Shanna

Excited for our Future and the future of our church

Final Thank You’s