THE STORM

MATTHEW 14:22-34

Adapted from Evangelist Fred Brown by Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE SAVIOUR

1. Jesus Sent Them [v. 22]

Did He know there would be a storm? Yes. Then why did He send them into it? God tests His people. He does not tempt them but He tests them. We find out two things in testing- (1) our weakness (2) His power.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Jesus sent them into the storm but where did He go? Up on the mountain. What did He do there?

2. Jesus Prayed for Them [v. 23]

Why?

3. Jesus Saw Them [v. 24, Mark 6:47-48]

And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them...

Does God know everything that would befall us in life when I get saved? Every heartbreak, every tear, every sorrow?
What did He do? He ascended up on high.
What's He doing? Praying.
For who? Us.
No storm can overthrow you while He prays for you and you are NEVER out of His sight!

II. THE STORM

1. Their Position [v. 24a]

"In the midst" It is 7 miles across and they are smack in the middle after all their toil. They are the furthest they have been from land all night.

2. Their Predicament [v. 24b-25a]

They were tired, troubled and in the darkest part of the night- right before dawn.

3. Their Perception [v. 25b-27]

Somewhat confused weren't they? Think about it-
what was troubling them? The sea.
What did Jesus come to them on? The sea.
He came to them on their trouble. If they didn't have any trouble they would not have seen Him. Our troubles give us the opportunity to see God.

III. THE SAINT

1. He Tried [v. 28]

Peter did what no one else even thought of. Can you imagine Thomas' reaction- "You'll never make it. Sit down and quit making a fool of yourself"

2. He Cried [v. 29-30]

We do Peter a disservice by picturing him neck deep in the water. The Bible clearly says "Beginning to sink". He felt it and he responded. He was very aware of beginning to sink. How do we know when you are beginning to sink? We are beginning to sink when we don't pray every day. When we don't open this blessed Book every day. When we don't witness when the Lord gives us opportunity. When we don't give to His work.

By the way- what kind of prayer is a good prayer?
When it's the right length? -some people pray around the world when it's time to eat. "Much speaking"
When it has the right content? - what should Peter have added? what could he have left out?
When it comes from the heart? - you probably won't find a more sincere prayer than Pete's

3. He Relied [v. 28, 30, 31-33]

You'll never know what you can do with the Lord/for the Lord until you try. Peter is the only man to ever walk on water. Don't you imagine the other disciples wondered for the rest of their lives if they could have done it? Don't you imagine they wish they had taken that opportunity? We can do anything the Lord tells us to do- step out on faith and do it!