Joel Mathai

Grace Bible Church

“Surviving the Storms of Life”

Matthew 14:22-33

And they marveled and were amazed saying, “what kind of man is this that even the winds and sea obey him.”

—Matt. 8:27

Matt. 14:22-33

• v. 22 And immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

• v. 23 And after he had sent the multitudes away he went up to the mountain by himself to pray;

When it was evening he was there alone.

• v. 24 But the boat was already many stadia away from the land, battered by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

• v. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea.

▫ 6pm – 9pm first watch

▫ 9pm – 12pm second watch

▫ 12pm – 3am third watch

▫ 3am – 6am fourth watch

▪ Principle of prayer – Delay does not mean denial.

▪ Jesus knows all about us, He knows us better than we even know ourselves. Psalm 139:1-6

His wisdom is infinite.

His timing is perfect.

▪ By walking on the water Jesus was saying

- nothing is going to stop me from rescuing my children.

• v. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were frightened, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried for fear.

• v. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them saying, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.”

▪ The storm is never so severe, the night never so black, the boat never so frail, that we risk danger beyond our father’s care.

• v.28 And Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

▪ “Expect great things of God,
Attempt great things for God.”
—William Carey

▪ “Satan buys up all the opportunities while we Christians are sitting around counting the cost.”
—Amy Carmichael

▪ Safety is not the absence of danger

but it is the presence of God.

▪ 1 Pet. 2:20-21 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if, when you do what is right, and suffer for it, you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in his steps.

• v. 29 And he said, “Come”. And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

• v. 30 But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out saying, “Lord save me.”

▪ 2 Cor. 11:24-28 whipped 5 times, 3 times beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked 3 times, spent a night and day in the water, danger from robbers, danger from the sea, betrayed by his own people, accused falsely, dangers from the wilderness, weariness, toil, sleeplessness, hunger, thirst, often fasting, cold and without adequate clothing not to mention concerns of all the churches and the daily stresses.

▪ Paul knew the words of the Lord Jesus,

“My grace is sufficient for Thee.”

▪ God chooses what we go through
We choose how we go through it.

▪ 1 Pet. 4:12-14 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you. But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of his glory, you may also rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

• v. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and took hold of him, and said to him “O you of little faith, why did you doubt”

▪ Psalm 27:10 Even though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take care of me.

• v. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped him saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”

1. Nothing is going to happen to us without the knowledge of our father.

2. All of our afflictions are designed by God to make us a better person from his perspective.

3. If you look for the Lord Jesus in the storm, He is there!

4. In the midst of your tribulations, always, always keep your eyes on Jesus.