Where is God?

Introduction

Matthew 14:22–33 KJV 1900

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Pray - Be Seated

Body

Points to make

The disciples were following the instructions of Jesus.

Jesus did not go with the disciples, but remained behind.

As the disciples were following the will of God they encountered a fierce storm.

Jesus walked toward them, on the water, unaffected by the storm.

The disciples believed the worst when they saw Jesus walking toward them on the water.

Jesus knowing their thoughts, comforted them and assuaged their fears.

Peter...’nuff said :) I think Jesus wasn’t getting any closer to the boat and so if Peter was going to get to Jesus, he would have to go to Him.

There was a reason Jesus wasn’t getting in the boat - Jesus had something to do outside the boat!

Nothing was happening in the boat.

It was all happening outside the boat

It was all happening inside the storm

Jesus responded to Peter’s faith and gave him the ability to walk on the water just like He was doing.

Peter began to be afraid and started to sink and cried out to Jesus to save him.

Jesus immediately saved Peter and gave him a mild rebuke for his doubt.

What did Peter doubt?

When Jesus told Peter to come, Peter knew he’d be able to get to Jesus.

The closer he got to Jesus, the farther he got from the boat.

The boat represents safety. Control. Comfort. The known.

The storm represents the unknown. Uncertainty. Uncontrolled chaos.

Jesus isn’t the boat. He’s in the storm.

The chaos of the storm is where Jesus is working. It’s where He is!

After Jesus was done working He and Peter came back to the boat and the storm disappeared.

Those who remained in the boat worshipped Jesus for what He did.

But Peter was a part of what Jesus did!!

Those in the boat saw it from afar off, but Peter was right next to Jesus, working with Him!

Conclusion

Don’t think you’ll find the presence and the plan of God in your plans, or in your timetable, or on your terms.

You’ll find God when you seek for Him with all your heart. That means wanting Him enough to step out of the boat and move through the storm to get to Him.