Water Walkers - Matthew 14:22-33

How can we have faith that remains solid during troublesome times?

Free throws during fundraiser… 75 out of 100

Middle of season stats report… I was shooting 20% on free throws. I was a mess.

Maybe you have a similar experience: in choir (practice v. concerts), theater (rehearsals and practices v. show time), etc.

In the middle of the battle when the shots actually counted, I was crumbling and losing focus.

Who believes they have strong faith when they come into The Well or come to church?

How much more difficult is it to exercise faith when you are at school? When things are going south?

When you are on the free throw line in the game, mid-solo in the middle of the performance, mid-stroke with the pencil during the exam? In the middle of a conflict with a friend or family member? In the middle of the school semester?

Read Matthew 14:22-33

Pray

Tonight, we are going to discuss three ways to solidify our faith for the upcoming school year.

Pray

Take courage in Jesus and do not be afraid

Come to Jesus

Stay focused on Him

Verses 22-23

Pray

Jesus prepared for the storms beforehand by going up on the mountain by himself to pray.

everybody say *pray*

If I am honest, the only times I actually practiced free throws was that fundraiser or when coach made us during practice

I often ran suicides during these times because I would miss.

You often hear “failure to prepare is preparing for failure”

Who in here goes in to ask their parents to go hang out with a friend or go to sleep over at a friend’s house without preparing?

This is a battle we come equipped for! Heck, we even want our friend beside us when we ask. Unless mom has ice in her veins, the chances we win are infinitely better.

How can we possibly prepare for spiritual battles and difficult times??

We pray!!

Instead of me stepping up to the line to take those shots, prayer is like inviting Michael Jordan to take those shots for me

It is like having that friend beside us when we ask to go hang out or stay over.

Prayer is inviting the only One who can help and do something about the battle ahead, to do something. And that is God.

But get this- God doesn’t miss! God doesn’t say no to us asking Him to help when we come with sincere, fully devoted hearts

James 1:6

Verses 24-27

Take courage in Jesus and don’t be afraid

The disciples are in the boat, in the middle of the sea, with waves and wind raging against them

Has anyone ever been out on a lake, or even out at sea, during a storm?

Story of being out on huge lake with family in our small boat… water was rough and foamy from whitecaps… water was chilling when it ran over the edge and into the boat

This is symbolic of our situations and circumstances

What are some “storms” you expect to face in the coming days, weeks, and months?

Now, although the disciples are afraid when they first see Jesus, Jesus quickly tells the to not be troubled or be afraid.

“Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid”

Everybody say *relax*

Why should the disciples have courage?? waves, wind, figure that resembles a ghost...

Because it is Jesus who is there to help. Because of Jesus.

Same applies to us!! Don’t take courage because the situation “isn’t so bad” or “I can handle this,” but take courage because Jesus will be your help.

John 16:33

He overcomes!

Verses 28 & 29

Come to Jesus

“If it is You”

Everyone say “if it is You”

Peter is submitting Himself to the Lord Jesus here.

How much more radical and fulfilling would our lives be if we laid ourselves out before God and said “Lord, if it’s your will that I do _____, then send me. Go before me. Go with me.” ??

You see, the most secure, satisfying place for you to be is with Jesus.

It may not feel safe, but it is good to be near Jesus.

Stop being a control freak. Stop sitting in the corner. Stop hanging out in the shallow end.

Verses 30-33

Stay focused on Him

Who feels like they have some level of ADHD or attention deficit disorder? If you truly do, don’t feel alone brother or sister… I believe we all do to a degree!

We see Peter look away from Jesus and toward the water & wind.

He begins to sink.

“It was not the violence of the winds, nor the raging of the waves, which endangered his life, but his littleness of faith”

How great of a God we serve!!

James 1:6

This storm and these struggles won’t last forever.

Do you believe that Jesus will make all things right? Do you believe he will make all things new?

Revelation 21:5