Faith Beyond Comfort: Walking with Jesus on Water
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Manna Church! Today, we delved into the story of Jesus and Peter walking on water from Matthew 14. This narrative is not just a Sunday school classic but a profound lesson on faith and the nature of God. We began by reminiscing about childhood Sunday school memories, transitioning into the powerful story of Peter stepping out of the boat to walk towards Jesus. This act of faith, though seemingly irrational, underscores Peter's understanding that God is the God of the impossible.
We explored how faith calls us beyond our comfort zones, beyond what we can handle on our own. This is evident in Peter's request to walk on water, a request that defies natural logic but aligns with the divine nature of God. We also looked at Old Testament examples like Jonathan and his armor-bearer, Esther, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who all faced impossible situations with unwavering faith. These stories remind us that God delights in working through our faith, even when the odds are against us.
Peter's journey on the water teaches us that faith requires us to keep our eyes on Jesus. When Peter focused on the storm around him, he began to sink, illustrating how self-reliance leads to failure. However, Jesus' immediate response to Peter's cry for help shows that God is always ready to rescue us. This moment of rescue is not just about saving Peter from drowning but about restoring his faith and relationship with Jesus.
We concluded by emphasizing the importance of getting back up after failure. Peter's second walk on water, hand in hand with Jesus, symbolizes the journey of faith we are all called to. It's not about never failing but about holding on to Jesus and continuing to move towards Him, no matter the circumstances. This is the essence of a faith-filled life—continually closing the gap between us and Jesus, trusting Him to be our strength and our guide.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Calls Us Beyond Comfort: Faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and into the realm of the impossible. Peter's request to walk on water exemplifies this. He understood that if Jesus was out on the water, he needed to be there too, despite the impossibility of the task. This teaches us that true faith often calls us to places where we must rely entirely on God. [33:39]
2. God is the God of the Impossible: Throughout the Bible, we see God working in impossible situations. From Jonathan and his armor-bearer to Esther and Mordecai, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, God consistently shows that He can save by many or by few. These stories remind us that no matter how dire our circumstances, God is capable of delivering us. [35:03]
3. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus: Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm. This illustrates the importance of keeping our focus on Christ, especially in challenging times. When we rely on our own strength, we falter, but when we keep our eyes on Jesus, He sustains us. [43:29]
4. God Rescues and Restores: Jesus' immediate response to Peter's cry for help shows that God is always ready to rescue us. This act of saving Peter is not just about preventing him from drowning but about restoring his faith and relationship with Jesus. It reassures us that even when we fail, God is faithful to rescue and restore us. [47:44]
5. Get Back Up After Failure: Peter's second walk on water, hand in hand with Jesus, symbolizes the journey of faith. It's not about never failing but about holding on to Jesus and continuing to move towards Him. This teaches us that our greatest testimonies often come from our greatest failures and challenges, as long as we get back up and keep moving towards Jesus. [51:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:01] - Sunday School Memories
[26:28] - Walking on Water Story Introduction
[27:55] - The Power of Prayer and Presence
[29:21] - The Storm and Jesus' Approach
[30:38] - Peter's Bold Request
[32:11] - The Nature of Faith
[33:39] - Faith Beyond Comfort
[35:03] - Old Testament Examples of Faith
[39:14] - Esther and Mordecai's Faith
[40:34] - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
[43:29] - Keeping Eyes on Jesus
[44:56] - Jesus' Rescue and Restoration
[47:44] - The Lifestyle of Faith
[49:26] - Two Faith Walks
[51:24] - Getting Back Up After Failure
[54:07] - Leading Others to Worship
[55:27] - Peter's Restoration
[58:13] - Closing the Gap with Jesus
[59:36] - Final Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 14:22-33
2. 1 Samuel 14:6-12
3. Daniel 3:16-18
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Peter's initial reaction when he saw Jesus walking on the water, and what did he request from Jesus? ([32:11])
2. How did Jesus respond to Peter's request to walk on water, and what happened when Peter took his eyes off Jesus? ([43:29])
3. What Old Testament examples were given in the sermon to illustrate faith in impossible situations? ([35:03])
4. How did Jesus react when Peter began to sink, and what does this reveal about Jesus' character? ([47:44])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter asked to walk on water as a way to verify Jesus' identity? What does this say about Peter's understanding of faith? ([32:11])
2. How do the stories of Jonathan and his armor-bearer, Esther, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego illustrate the concept that "God is the God of the impossible"? ([35:03])
3. What does Peter's experience of sinking and being rescued by Jesus teach us about the importance of keeping our focus on Christ? ([43:29])
4. How does Peter's second walk on water, hand in hand with Jesus, symbolize the journey of faith? What does this teach us about dealing with failure? ([49:26])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to step out of your comfort zone. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can Peter's story encourage you to take similar steps of faith in the future? ([33:39])
2. Think about a situation in your life that seems impossible. How can the examples of Jonathan, Esther, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego inspire you to trust God in that situation? ([35:03])
3. Are there specific distractions in your life that cause you to take your eyes off Jesus? What practical steps can you take this week to minimize those distractions and keep your focus on Him? ([43:29])
4. Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt like you were sinking, similar to Peter? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you apply those lessons to your current challenges? ([47:44])
5. Peter got back up after his failure and continued to follow Jesus. Is there an area in your life where you need to "get back up" after a failure? What steps can you take to move forward in faith? ([51:24])
6. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of faith that continually seeks to close the gap between you and Jesus? What specific actions can you take this week to draw closer to Him? ([58:13])
7. Identify one person in your life who might be struggling with their faith. How can you encourage them to keep their eyes on Jesus and trust Him in their impossible situations? ([54:07])
Devotional
Day 1: Stepping Beyond Comfort Zones
Faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and into the realm of the impossible. Peter's request to walk on water exemplifies this. He understood that if Jesus was out on the water, he needed to be there too, despite the impossibility of the task. This teaches us that true faith often calls us to places where we must rely entirely on God. [33:39]
Faith calls us to step beyond what is familiar and comfortable. Peter's bold request to walk on water is a prime example of this. He saw Jesus doing the impossible and wanted to join Him, even though it defied all natural logic. This act of faith shows that sometimes, following Jesus means stepping into situations where we have no control and must rely entirely on Him. It is in these moments that our faith is truly tested and strengthened.
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who stepped out in faith, leaving their comfort zones behind. Whether it was Abraham leaving his homeland, Moses confronting Pharaoh, or Peter stepping out of the boat, these acts of faith required a willingness to trust God completely. As believers, we are called to do the same, trusting that God will guide and sustain us as we step into the unknown.
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?
Day 2: Trusting the God of the Impossible
Throughout the Bible, we see God working in impossible situations. From Jonathan and his armor-bearer to Esther and Mordecai, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, God consistently shows that He can save by many or by few. These stories remind us that no matter how dire our circumstances, God is capable of delivering us. [35:03]
The Bible is filled with stories of God intervening in seemingly impossible situations. Jonathan and his armor-bearer faced a vast Philistine army with only their faith in God to guide them. Esther risked her life to save her people, trusting that God would deliver them. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm in their faith, even when faced with a fiery furnace. These stories remind us that God is not limited by our circumstances. He is the God of the impossible, capable of delivering us from any situation.
When we face challenges that seem insurmountable, it is important to remember that God delights in working through our faith. He often allows us to face impossible situations so that we can see His power and glory at work. By trusting in Him, we can experience His miraculous deliverance and grow in our faith.
Jeremiah 32:27 (ESV): "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?"
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that seems impossible. How can you trust God to work in that situation and believe that He is capable of delivering you?
Day 3: Keeping Focused on Jesus
Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm. This illustrates the importance of keeping our focus on Christ, especially in challenging times. When we rely on our own strength, we falter, but when we keep our eyes on Jesus, He sustains us. [43:29]
Peter's experience of walking on water teaches us a valuable lesson about focus. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to do the impossible. However, the moment he shifted his focus to the storm around him, he began to sink. This moment illustrates the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus, especially when we face challenges and difficulties. When we rely on our own strength and focus on our problems, we falter. But when we keep our eyes on Jesus, He sustains us and enables us to overcome.
In our daily lives, it is easy to become distracted by the storms around us—whether they are personal struggles, external pressures, or uncertainties about the future. However, by keeping our focus on Jesus, we can find the strength and peace we need to navigate these challenges. Jesus is our anchor, and by fixing our eyes on Him, we can walk through any storm with confidence.
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What are the storms in your life that are distracting you from focusing on Jesus? How can you intentionally shift your focus back to Him today?
Day 4: God's Rescue and Restoration
Jesus' immediate response to Peter's cry for help shows that God is always ready to rescue us. This act of saving Peter is not just about preventing him from drowning but about restoring his faith and relationship with Jesus. It reassures us that even when we fail, God is faithful to rescue and restore us. [47:44]
When Peter began to sink, he cried out to Jesus for help, and Jesus immediately reached out and saved him. This moment is a powerful reminder that God is always ready to rescue us when we call out to Him. Jesus' act of saving Peter was not just about preventing him from drowning; it was also about restoring his faith and relationship with Jesus. This act of rescue reassures us that even when we fail, God is faithful to rescue and restore us.
God's willingness to rescue us is a testament to His love and grace. He does not abandon us in our moments of weakness or failure. Instead, He reaches out to us, offering His hand to lift us up and restore us. This act of restoration is not just about physical safety but about renewing our faith and drawing us closer to Him.
Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt like you were sinking and cried out to God for help. How did He rescue and restore you? How can you remember His faithfulness in your current challenges?
Day 5: Rising After Failure
Peter's second walk on water, hand in hand with Jesus, symbolizes the journey of faith. It's not about never failing but about holding on to Jesus and continuing to move towards Him. This teaches us that our greatest testimonies often come from our greatest failures and challenges, as long as we get back up and keep moving towards Jesus. [51:24]
Peter's journey on the water did not end with his failure. After Jesus rescued him, they walked back to the boat together, hand in hand. This second walk on water symbolizes the journey of faith we are all called to. It is not about never failing but about holding on to Jesus and continuing to move towards Him, even after we have stumbled. This teaches us that our greatest testimonies often come from our greatest failures and challenges, as long as we get back up and keep moving towards Jesus.
Failure is a part of the human experience, but it does not have to define us. When we fall, we have the opportunity to reach out to Jesus, who is always ready to lift us up and walk with us. By holding on to Him and continuing to move forward, we can turn our failures into powerful testimonies of God's grace and faithfulness.
Micah 7:8 (ESV): "Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me."
Reflection: Think about a recent failure or challenge you have faced. How can you hold on to Jesus and continue to move forward in faith? What steps can you take today to rise after your failure and trust in His guidance?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Faith calls us beyond what we can think. Faith calls us beyond what we can plan. And faith calls us beyond what we can imagine. In fact, it calls us beyond what we can handle. You say, man, I can't handle this situation. This is too much for me. I feel like I'm sinking. No, no, you can't handle it. And that's where you have to apply faith. If you could do it all on your own, would you need God?" [33:39] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Man of church, can I tell you that you were not created for the commonplace? You were not created for the commonplace. You know that spot where your faith isn't stretched, you're just being comfortable. You were created for the spot that requires faith. You were created for that spot where, where if God doesn't show up, it's not going to happen. You were created for that spot where it's uncomfortable. It's going to require me to exercise faith in God." [41:56] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Whatever it takes, whatever it costs. Get close to Jesus. Don't wait for the boat to turn around. Don't wait for it to be convenient. Whatever it takes, whatever it costs. Get close to Jesus. Sometimes that means walking on the water. Sometimes that means jumping in with all your clothes on and swimming close to Jesus." [58:13] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you don't get anything else out of this message, get this. Whatever it takes, whatever it costs. Get close to Jesus. Whatever it takes, whatever it costs. Get close to Jesus. Don't wait for the boat to turn around. Don't wait for it to be convenient. Whatever it takes, whatever it costs. Get close to Jesus." [58:13] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Peter understands that God is the God of the impossible. Amen? He's the God of the impossible. And he has so much more for us than we could ever hope or imagine. Or dream of. See, somewhere along the way, Peter has experienced this. And somewhere along the way, Peter has realized that Jesus wants us to be in relationship with him. Jesus wants us to be where he is. And Peter's come to the conclusion that if Jesus is out on the water, then what am I doing here on the boat?" [33:39] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The beauty is Jesus is enough. He's more than enough. And so God isn't looking for the qualified person. He doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called. He meets you in that place where you say, here I am, send me. And you take that step of faith and he meets you and he is strong where you are weak. Are you hearing me? It requires that step of faith though. It requires us to stir our faith and stretch our faith to a place of uncomfortability where we're willing to say, I'm going to do what I can't control." [44:56] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Peter gets back up. Peter gets back up and he holds on to Jesus. Something powerful about this. In fact, I'm reminded of Proverbs chapter 26, verse 16. I'll read it right here. 24, verse 16. There it is. For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity. Now, maybe you're thinking a righteous man shall fall seven times. That's a lot of times. That's a righteous man? Seven times? Are you sure he's righteous? No, no, no. It's worse than what you think." [51:53] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Can I tell you that sometimes our greatest testimony comes from the place of our greatest failure. Sometimes it comes from the place of our greatest challenge or our greatest pain, but it's in the midst of that point right there where we call out to Jesus. We hold on to him and we get back up. Somebody turn to your neighbor and say, get back up." [54:07] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus always has been the hero. Jesus always is the hero. He will always be the hero. But I don't know about you. I want to be a part of a story like this. I want to be a part of a story where I've got, I've got faith that leads people to worship Jesus. I want to be a part of that kind of story." [54:45] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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