God's Permission: The Power of Faith and Worship

Growing up, we learned the importance of permission—waiting for the right time, the right word, and the right authority to move forward. This principle doesn’t disappear as we mature; in fact, it becomes even more vital in our walk with God. There’s a danger in becoming so “grown” that we no longer seek God’s direction, thinking we can do it all on our own. But true maturity in faith means staying sensitive to God’s voice, waiting for His permission, and remaining in His will.

The story of Peter walking on water is a powerful reminder of this. Jesus didn’t give Peter a detailed plan; He simply said, “Come.” Sometimes, all we get from God is a single word, a nudge, or a confirmation in our spirit. We want details, but God wants trust. The challenge is to step out in faith, even when the circumstances are stormy and the outcome is uncertain. It’s not about waiting for perfect conditions, but about trusting that if God calls us, He will sustain us.

Recognizing God’s voice is essential. Like sheep who know their shepherd, we must spend time with God in prayer and in His Word to discern His leading. When we step out in faith, storms will come, and distractions will try to drown out God’s voice. Peter began to sink when he focused on the wind and waves instead of Jesus. Yet, even in our moments of doubt and failure, Jesus is close enough to reach out and save us. He doesn’t abandon us when we falter; He draws nearer, ready to lift us up.

Our faith journey isn’t just about us. When God rescues and blesses us, those connected to us—our families, friends, and communities—also experience the overflow of His goodness. The blessings God pours into our lives are meant to impact those around us. And when God brings us through the storm, our response should be worship. Not just for material blessings, but for His presence, His protection, and His faithfulness. Worship is the truest expression of gratitude, the reward we offer back to God for all He has done.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Permission and the Will of God: True spiritual maturity is not about independence from God, but deeper dependence on His direction. When we move without God’s permission, we risk stepping outside His will and into unnecessary trouble. Waiting on God’s “yes” is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom and trust in His timing. [07:54]
• 2. God’s Voice Confirms, Not Details: God often gives us a word or a confirmation, not a full blueprint. He calls us to trust Him with the unknown, stepping out in faith even when we don’t have all the answers. The journey of faith is about obedience to His voice, not certainty about the outcome. [13:29]
• 3. Risking and Rebounding in Faith: Faith requires risk—stepping out of the boat even when the storm is raging. But when we falter, God is not far off; He is close enough to catch us. Our failures are not the end, but opportunities for God to show His saving power and for us to experience His grace anew. [18:36]
• 4. Blessings Overflow to Others: God’s intervention in our lives is rarely just for us alone. When He saves, delivers, or blesses us, those in close proximity—family, friends, even bystanders—can experience the overflow of His goodness. Our faith and obedience can become a source of blessing for our entire community. [30:22]
• 5. Worship as the Ultimate Response: The proper response to God’s faithfulness is worship, not just gratitude for material things, but awe for His presence and sustaining power. Worship is the reward we offer God for keeping us, protecting us, and giving us peace, even when life is far from perfect. It is the highest gift we can give, regardless of our circumstances. [35:29]
  ** [35:29]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [05:04] - The Importance of Permission
• [06:26] - Permission in Life’s Milestones
• [07:54] - Staying in God’s Will
• [09:42] - Jesus Walks on Water
• [11:01] - Discerning God’s Voice
• [13:29] - The Power of a Single Word
• [15:15] - Knowing God’s Voice Personally
• [16:56] - Taking Risks in Faith
• [18:36] - When Faith Falters
• [20:34] - Jesus Stays Close
• [22:21] - God’s Relentless Pursuit
• [25:01] - Calling on God for Yourself
• [29:46] - Blessings Overflow to Others
• [33:22] - Worship as the Response
• [35:29] - Worship Beyond Material Blessings
• [37:57] - The Gift of Worship
• [39:09] - Remembering God’s Faithfulness
• [43:07] - Closing and Benediction

Bible Reading

Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV) — 22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.
26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”
31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

John 10:4-5 (ESV) — 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.

Observation Questions

1. In the story of Peter walking on water, what did Jesus say to Peter when Peter asked for confirmation? ([13:29])
2. According to John 10:4-5, what is the key reason the sheep follow the shepherd? ([15:15])
3. What happened to Peter when he shifted his focus from Jesus to the wind and waves? ([19:40])
4. After Jesus and Peter got into the boat, how did the other disciples respond, and what does this show about their understanding of Jesus? ([33:22])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus only gave Peter a single word (“Come”) instead of a detailed plan? What does this say about how God often leads us? ([13:29])
2. The sermon says that true maturity in faith is about deeper dependence on God, not independence. How does this challenge the way people often think about “growing up” spiritually? ([07:54])
3. When Peter began to sink, Jesus was close enough to reach out and save him. What does this teach about God’s presence in our moments of doubt or failure? ([22:21])
4. The sermon points out that the blessing Peter received by being saved from the water also affected everyone else in the boat. What does this suggest about the impact of our faith on those around us? ([30:22])

Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about waiting for God’s permission before moving forward, even when we feel “grown.” Is there an area in your life right now where you’re tempted to move ahead without seeking God’s direction? What would it look like to wait for His “yes”? ([07:54])
2. Sometimes God gives us just a word or a nudge, not a full plan. Can you share a time when you felt God was leading you with just a simple confirmation? How did you respond? ([13:29])
3. Peter started to sink when he focused on the storm instead of Jesus. What are some “storms” or distractions in your life that make it hard to keep your eyes on Jesus? What practical step can you take this week to refocus? ([19:40])
4. The sermon said that even when we falter, Jesus is close enough to catch us. Is there a recent situation where you felt like you were “sinking”? How did you experience God’s help, or how can you call out to Him now? ([22:21])
5. The blessings God gives us are meant to overflow to others. Who in your life might be impacted by your faith and obedience? How can you be intentional about letting God’s goodness flow through you to them? ([30:22])
6. The disciples’ response to Jesus’ faithfulness was worship, not just gratitude for material things. What does worship look like for you beyond singing or Sunday service? How can you make worship a more regular part of your daily life? ([35:29])
7. The sermon encouraged remembering God’s faithfulness in past storms. Take a moment to recall a time when God brought you through a difficult season. How can you use that memory to encourage yourself or someone else this week? ([39:09])