The Savior and the Storm (Matthew #76)

The Savior and the Storm

Text: Matthew 14:22-33

Clear direction (vss 22-23)

Constrained them to go is strong language.
The other side is a time apart. It’s where you can get with the Father to find strength to carry on.
I think of church as the “other side” sometimes; it’s a rest from the world. And if you ever wonder why pastors or Christians get a little frustrated when people claiming Jesus Christ bring the world into a sanctuary, it’s because we don’t have another place designated by God to get with our God.
I think of private time with the LORD as the “other side” as well. The LORD said when you pray, go into your closet. That means if you’ll talk to the LORD in private, He’ll know you’re not doing it as a show for others. And that you actually have a desire to get a hold of the Father.

The storm wasn’t because of disobedience. In fact, this storm happened while the disciples were doing what they were told to do.
How many Christians feel the contrary wind and decide they are going in the wrong direction?
- Sometimes a contrary wind does indicate the wrong direction. Unfortunately, wrong directions are more often slippery slopes, not contrary winds.
- But it’s not the wrong direction when you’ve been given specific direction by God.
The LORD Jessus Christ is strolling on the same boisterous sea that’s been beating up the boat threatening to overturn it. See Job 9:8

Fear not is said so many times in the Bible it’s difficult to count them. That alone ought to give you comfort in our present turbulence. Hundreds of times in the Bible God says to His own people, don’t be afraid. Fear will keep you from doing what the LORD wants you to do and keep you from the blessings of the LORD.
Cheer up, put a smile on your face, be happy. It will improve your face value.
Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Now the wind is still blowing when the LORD says this.

This genuine miracle clarifies an incredible truth. It’s not the water that holds Peter up, it’s the Lord Jesus Christ.
You might think you need solid ground to stand on because you believe it is the ground that holds you up. It is Jesus Christ who is the foundation. It isn’t the water. It is the words of God.
Psalm 28:1 Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.
1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. All other ground is sinking sand.

As soon as Peter thought the water was what held him up, he sank. As soon as he lost sight of the Lord Jesus Christ and feared because of the wind and waves, he was no longer held up by the Lord.
Lord, save me is a great prayer. Jesus helped Peter when he lost faith.
As surprised as Peter was, it is strange to find that Jesus is mutually surprised that Peter doubted. Look at Mark 6:6. The LORD is not surprised by storms, He’s not surprised by trouble, but If there is one thing the LORD is shocked at it is unbelief.

Worshipped with the confession that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
If you stay with it through the storm you’ll find a greater revelation of who Jesus Christ is. Guaranteed!