How To Walk On Water

May 5, 2013

Matthew 14:22-33 KJV
[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.

We all have storms in life. They come in different shapes and sizes. But what do you do when you know The Lord loves you but it seems He is miles away during these times?

1. The Storm
A. It was in The Lord's plans. Verse 22 constrained the disciples into the ship. He planned for them to go directly into the storm. He doesn't tempt us with evil, but He tests us often. The devil tempts us to bring out the worst in us and The Lord tests us to bring out the best in us. Some storms are preparation for a bigger storm later. These disciples were going to later face some really big storms for their faith from ridicule to death. This storm was preparation for those storms. But don't we always learn something new about our God when we go through these storms?
B. Following the will of God led these disciples directly into the storm. We have a misconception about Christianity that our lives will be smooth sailing and clear skies when we follow the will of God. Jesus, who spent His entire spotless life following the will of God. He followed it directly into the storm of Calvary. He never promised smooth sailing, He only promise a smooth landing. Isn't it good news that there is someone in Heaven praying for us all the time? I know that my heart smiles when someone tells me they're praying for me.
2. The Savior
A. Verse 25 Jesus went onto them, walking on the sea. He went during the darkest hour of the night. One of the things we learn here is the supremacy of Christ. He came to them walking on water. We have never figured out how to walk on water. We can walk in space, but we can't walk on water. You have to believe in miracles to be saved. The resurrection was a miracle, and that is the basis of Christianity. This means that if a storm that created waves over the heads of those on the ship were a sidewalk for Jesus, that none of the problems we have in our lives can't be handled by Him.
B. What they thought was going to be a bad thing ended up being the biggest blessing of their lives.
He is whatever you need.
3. The Saint
A. Simon Peter was the extrovert. He failed 100 times. He even denied knowing The Lord. But you couldn't deny he loved Jesus. Simon Peter jumps from the boat even though his friends thought he was nuts. He walked on water because Jesus said Come. If you're in a storm, and you need to wall on water, ask for the word from God. But keep your eyes on Him. Don't do like Simon Peter did, when he realized he was still in the storm, his faith wavered and he began to sink. He prayed to be saved. Jesus lovingly pointed out the problem: oh you of little faith.

Some of our best lessons learned are during times of defeat. No matter your storm today, He will meet your needs. God is worthy, He is sufficient in all our needs.