Get Out of the Boat – Faith Over Fear – Victory Life Stillwater

Message Date: November 6, 2022

Matthew 14:22-33 NLT
²² 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. ²³ After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. ²⁴ Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. ²⁵ About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” ²⁷ But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here! ” ²⁸ Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” ²⁹ “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. ³¹ Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” ³² When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. ³³ Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

Without faith, even miracles & signs aren’t enough

- - Romans 8:35, 37, 38 NLT
    35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.

Faith is simply taking the next step

- - Miracles happen when we step out in faith

Jesus isn’t blind or removed from our struggle

- - Jesus didn’t show up immediately to the disciples during their storm
  - Jesus wants to show more of His identity and glory
  - Psalm 111:3 NLT
    Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails.

Fear will sink you

- Jesus’ power was flowing through, Peter allowing him to walk on water but fear set in

We cannot always row our own way out of life’s greatest storms

- - The disciples were in a desperate situation the storm was bigger than them
  - Focus has to turn from our situation to God
    - Release control
    - Stand on His identity and promises
  - John 10:10 TPT
    A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow!
  - Ephesians 3:20 MSG
    God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!

Look to Jesus and keep looking to Jesus

- - Faith requires focus
  - Joshua 6:3-5 NIV
    ³ March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. ⁴ Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. ⁵ When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”
  - Romans 8:28 NIV
    And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Faith unleashes the supernatural

- - Peter’s faith in who Jesus was allowed Jesus’ supernatural power to flow thru him allowing him to walk on water