Fear Not | Michael Gossett | Matthew 14:22-33

Well, good morning to everybody. Uh, if Well, good morning to everybody. Uh, if you have your Bible, and I hope that you you have your Bible, and I hope that you you have your Bible, and I hope that you do, turn with me to Matthew do, turn with me to Matthew do, turn with me to Matthew uh, chapter 14. uh, chapter 14. uh, chapter 14. You know, we just finished the uh, the You know, we just finished the uh, the You know, we just finished the uh, the series uh, through Jonah, and we are series uh, through Jonah, and we are series uh, through Jonah, and we are starting a new series today called the starting a new series today called the starting a new series today called the sermon of your life. And so, over the sermon of your life. And so, over the sermon of your life. And so, over the next uh, six weeks, we're going to be next uh, six weeks, we're going to be next uh, six weeks, we're going to be looking at different topics, these uh, looking at different topics, these uh, looking at different topics, these uh, different sermons of your life. And and different sermons of your life. And and different sermons of your life. And and today we're going to start with a today we're going to start with a today we're going to start with a familiar emotion familiar emotion familiar emotion that every person faces. that every person faces. that every person faces. It's something that every single one of It's something that every single one of It's something that every single one of us we can identify with. Uh you deal us we can identify with. Uh you deal us we can identify with. Uh you deal with it constantly in your life. I deal with it constantly in your life. I deal with it constantly in your life. I deal with it constantly in my life. Whether with it constantly in my life. Whether with it constantly in my life. Whether you would like to admit it or I would you would like to admit it or I would you would like to admit it or I would like to admit it doesn't really matter. like to admit it doesn't really matter. like to admit it doesn't really matter. The truth is every single one of us we The truth is every single one of us we The truth is every single one of us we deal with this problem of fear. deal with this problem of fear. deal with this problem of fear. Every one of us Every one of us Every one of us and it's not like a fear of heights and it's not like a fear of heights and it's not like a fear of heights or fear of sharks like I have or fear of or fear of sharks like I have or fear of or fear of sharks like I have or fear of alligators or fear of snakes or fear of alligators or fear of snakes or fear of alligators or fear of snakes or fear of spiders or uh anything like that. It's spiders or uh anything like that. It's spiders or uh anything like that. It's it's deeper than that.

it's deeper than that. it's deeper than that. Every single one of us, we have to deal Every single one of us, we have to deal Every single one of us, we have to deal with this problem of fear. There are two with this problem of fear. There are two with this problem of fear. There are two types of fear in the Bible, by the way. types of fear in the Bible, by the way. types of fear in the Bible, by the way. And this sometimes causes confusion And this sometimes causes confusion And this sometimes causes confusion because you have um passages like the because you have um passages like the because you have um passages like the one that we're going to study today that one that we're going to study today that one that we're going to study today that tells us to not be afraid. It says, tells us to not be afraid. It says, tells us to not be afraid. It says, "Fear not." In some translations, it "Fear not." In some translations, it "Fear not." In some translations, it says, "Do not be afraid in the CSB." says, "Do not be afraid in the CSB." says, "Do not be afraid in the CSB." Jesus over and over again tells his Jesus over and over again tells his Jesus over and over again tells his disciples, "Listen, have courage. Take disciples, "Listen, have courage. Take disciples, "Listen, have courage. Take courage, take heart. And all of these courage, take heart. And all of these courage, take heart. And all of these are surrounded by this concept of fear. are surrounded by this concept of fear. are surrounded by this concept of fear. So there's that kind of fear and the So there's that kind of fear and the So there's that kind of fear and the fear that you don't want to have is that fear that you don't want to have is that fear that you don't want to have is that type of sinful fear or sin induced fear. type of sinful fear or sin induced fear. type of sinful fear or sin induced fear. But then on the other hand, you have But then on the other hand, you have But then on the other hand, you have plenty of passages plenty of passages plenty of passages throughout the Bible that says that you throughout the Bible that says that you throughout the Bible that says that you should fear God. should fear God. should fear God. And so we want to make sure that we're And so we want to make sure that we're And so we want to make sure that we're talking about the right kind of fear.

talking about the right kind of fear. talking about the right kind of fear. You have a righteous fear, then you have You have a righteous fear, then you have You have a righteous fear, then you have a sinful fear. This righteous fear um a sinful fear. This righteous fear um a sinful fear. This righteous fear um happens in your life when two things happens in your life when two things happens in your life when two things collide. Okay? collide. Okay? collide. Okay? When your understanding When your understanding When your understanding of who God is, meaning you understand of who God is, meaning you understand of who God is, meaning you understand the weight of God's glory, the weight of the weight of God's glory, the weight of the weight of God's glory, the weight of God's holiness, and beside it, you God's holiness, and beside it, you God's holiness, and beside it, you understand the severity or the weight of understand the severity or the weight of understand the severity or the weight of your own sin. When those two things your own sin. When those two things your own sin. When those two things collide, it causes a righteous trembling collide, it causes a righteous trembling collide, it causes a righteous trembling before God. before God. before God. causes a righteous fear of God. causes a righteous fear of God. causes a righteous fear of God. And that is the kind of fear that draws And that is the kind of fear that draws And that is the kind of fear that draws us into the Lord. You see, that kind of us into the Lord. You see, that kind of us into the Lord. You see, that kind of fear, the righteous fear of God doesn't fear, the righteous fear of God doesn't fear, the righteous fear of God doesn't push us away as we would think would push us away as we would think would push us away as we would think would happen. happen. happen. But the righteous fear for those who are But the righteous fear for those who are But the righteous fear for those who are in Christ actually draws us into the in Christ actually draws us into the in Christ actually draws us into the presence of God to walk with him even presence of God to walk with him even presence of God to walk with him even more faithfully.

more faithfully. more faithfully. It drives us to the Lord. Conceptually, It drives us to the Lord. Conceptually, It drives us to the Lord. Conceptually, it's this idea of John chapter 15 that it's this idea of John chapter 15 that it's this idea of John chapter 15 that says, "Abide in me and I will abide in says, "Abide in me and I will abide in says, "Abide in me and I will abide in you." You abide in Christ when you you." You abide in Christ when you you." You abide in Christ when you understand the weight of his glory, the understand the weight of his glory, the understand the weight of his glory, the weight of your sin because it it tells weight of your sin because it it tells weight of your sin because it it tells us the weight of our dependency for us the weight of our dependency for us the weight of our dependency for Christ himself. But then you have the sinful fear that But then you have the sinful fear that you and I still deal with. you and I still deal with. you and I still deal with. It's the fear that keeps us away from It's the fear that keeps us away from It's the fear that keeps us away from God. God. God. It's the fear that drives us away from It's the fear that drives us away from It's the fear that drives us away from his presence. his presence. his presence. It's a fear that keeps you at bay. And It's a fear that keeps you at bay. And It's a fear that keeps you at bay. And instead of going allin with Jesus, you instead of going allin with Jesus, you instead of going allin with Jesus, you kind of stay reserved with walking with kind of stay reserved with walking with kind of stay reserved with walking with Christ because you have this fear in Christ because you have this fear in Christ because you have this fear in your mind. your mind. your mind. It's the fear of the unknown, a fear of, It's the fear of the unknown, a fear of, It's the fear of the unknown, a fear of, well, what is going to happen if I do well, what is going to happen if I do well, what is going to happen if I do this or if I do that? What happens to my this or if I do that? What happens to my this or if I do that? What happens to my friends if I go allin with Jesus? What friends if I go allin with Jesus? What friends if I go allin with Jesus? What happens to my job if I go allin with happens to my job if I go allin with happens to my job if I go allin with Jesus? What does it what happens to my Jesus? What does it what happens to my Jesus? What does it what happens to my life if I go allin with Christ?

life if I go allin with Christ? life if I go allin with Christ? This is the sinful, unrighteous, This is the sinful, unrighteous, This is the sinful, unrighteous, unhealthy fear that keeps you from unhealthy fear that keeps you from unhealthy fear that keeps you from walking faithfully with Christ. But here's what we see in Matthew But here's what we see in Matthew chapter 14. chapter 14. chapter 14. We actually see what it looks like to We actually see what it looks like to We actually see what it looks like to walk faithfully with the Lord without walk faithfully with the Lord without walk faithfully with the Lord without fear. Because every step of faith Because every step of faith will have this determining factor of will have this determining factor of will have this determining factor of before before before and then after. and then after. and then after. That's what happens with many walks, by That's what happens with many walks, by That's what happens with many walks, by the way. It's not just your walk with the way. It's not just your walk with the way. It's not just your walk with Christ. It's it's many walks in life. I Christ. It's it's many walks in life. I Christ. It's it's many walks in life. I mean, think about some of the most mean, think about some of the most mean, think about some of the most significant moments in your life are significant moments in your life are significant moments in your life are centered around a walk. centered around a walk. centered around a walk. I mean, think about that.

I mean, think about that. I mean, think about that. You walk down the aisle to marry the You walk down the aisle to marry the You walk down the aisle to marry the woman of your dreams, the guy of your woman of your dreams, the guy of your woman of your dreams, the guy of your dreams, whatever. dreams, whatever. dreams, whatever. I mean, ladies for guys, guys for L. I mean, ladies for guys, guys for L. I mean, ladies for guys, guys for L. Okay, y'all with me? I didn't mean that Okay, y'all with me? I didn't mean that Okay, y'all with me? I didn't mean that in a weird way. in a weird way. in a weird way. Just trying to Nope. Okay, just keep Just trying to Nope. Okay, just keep Just trying to Nope. Okay, just keep going. All right, so that walk is going. All right, so that walk is going. All right, so that walk is definitely a before and after. Uh before definitely a before and after. Uh before definitely a before and after. Uh before that walk, I was not married. After that that walk, I was not married. After that that walk, I was not married. After that walk, I was married. What about the walk walk, I was married. What about the walk walk, I was married. What about the walk to the hospital room to meet your to the hospital room to meet your to the hospital room to meet your newborn baby for the first time? That's newborn baby for the first time? That's newborn baby for the first time? That's a pretty significant walk. before you a pretty significant walk. before you a pretty significant walk. before you were not a parent than after you are. were not a parent than after you are. were not a parent than after you are. What is worse is the walk from the What is worse is the walk from the What is worse is the walk from the hospital room to the car. Then you're hospital room to the car. Then you're hospital room to the car. Then you're like, "Wait a second. I have to take like, "Wait a second. I have to take like, "Wait a second. I have to take care of this thing." Like, "What are we care of this thing." Like, "What are we care of this thing." Like, "What are we going to do now?" What about the walk when you came into What about the walk when you came into the church, the church, the church, the time that Jesus opened your eyes to the time that Jesus opened your eyes to the time that Jesus opened your eyes to his truth?

his truth? his truth? The walk that you go from The walk that you go from The walk that you go from in sin to being freed of your sin. in sin to being freed of your sin. in sin to being freed of your sin. There's a before and after and so it is There's a before and after and so it is There's a before and after and so it is with your walk daily with Jesus with your walk daily with Jesus with your walk daily with Jesus because it's not this one-time thing. because it's not this one-time thing. because it's not this one-time thing. Okay, Lord, you have conquered my fears. Okay, Lord, you have conquered my fears. Okay, Lord, you have conquered my fears. Therefore, I can now just walk fully Therefore, I can now just walk fully Therefore, I can now just walk fully with you. There's this daily battle that with you. There's this daily battle that with you. There's this daily battle that is taking place for your heart and for is taking place for your heart and for is taking place for your heart and for your mind, for your soul, for your your mind, for your soul, for your your mind, for your soul, for your strength every single day of your life. strength every single day of your life. strength every single day of your life. And what is dependent on you is whether And what is dependent on you is whether And what is dependent on you is whether or not you are going to walk allin with or not you are going to walk allin with or not you are going to walk allin with Jesus or not. Jesus or not. Jesus or not. Like that's something you have to decide Like that's something you have to decide Like that's something you have to decide in your own faith in Christ. in your own faith in Christ. in your own faith in Christ. Am I going to walk allin with Jesus or Am I going to walk allin with Jesus or Am I going to walk allin with Jesus or not? And what is keeping you or not? And what is keeping you or not? And what is keeping you or prompting you, propelling you prompting you, propelling you prompting you, propelling you is is is fear.

fear. fear. That is what is keeping you from going That is what is keeping you from going That is what is keeping you from going allin with Jesus. allin with Jesus. allin with Jesus. It's fear. It's fear. It's fear. But see, Matthew chapter 14:es But see, Matthew chapter 14:es But see, Matthew chapter 14:es 22-33 gives us four truths gives us four truths of how we are to walk of how we are to walk of how we are to walk faithfully with Christ faithfully with Christ faithfully with Christ without fear. without fear. without fear. And so I want to invite you, if you're And so I want to invite you, if you're And so I want to invite you, if you're willing and able, would you stand with willing and able, would you stand with willing and able, would you stand with me as we read this passage together? It says this starting in verse 22. It It says this starting in verse 22. It says, says, says, "Immediately "Immediately "Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat he made the disciples get into the boat he made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him and go ahead of him and go ahead of him uh to the other side while he dismissed uh to the other side while he dismissed uh to the other side while he dismissed the crowds.

the crowds. the crowds. After dismissing the crowds, he went up After dismissing the crowds, he went up After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to to pray. on the mountain by himself to to pray. on the mountain by himself to to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone. Well into the night, he was there alone. Well into the night, he was there alone. Meanwhile, the boat was already some Meanwhile, the boat was already some Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from the land, battered by the distance from the land, battered by the distance from the land, battered by the waves because the wind was against them. waves because the wind was against them. waves because the wind was against them. Jesus came toward them walking on the Jesus came toward them walking on the Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning. When the sea very early in the morning. When the sea very early in the morning. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, disciples saw him walking on the sea, disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. they said, and they cried out in fear. they said, and they cried out in fear. Immediately Immediately Immediately Jesus spoke to them. "Have courage. It Jesus spoke to them. "Have courage. It Jesus spoke to them. "Have courage. It is I. Don't be afraid. is I. Don't be afraid. is I. Don't be afraid. Lord, if it's you, Peter answered him. Lord, if it's you, Peter answered him. Lord, if it's you, Peter answered him. Command me to come to you on the water. Command me to come to you on the water. Command me to come to you on the water. He said, Come. And climbing out of the He said, Come. And climbing out of the He said, Come. And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water boat, Peter started walking on the water boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw and came toward Jesus. But when he saw and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. the strength of the wind, he was afraid. the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink, he cried out, And beginning to sink, he cried out, And beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me." "Lord, save me." "Lord, save me." Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, caught hold of him, and said to him, caught hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, "You of little faith, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

why did you doubt?" why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind When they got into the boat, the wind When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those in the boat worshiped ceased. Then those in the boat worshiped ceased. Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, "Truly, him and said, "Truly, him and said, "Truly, you are the son of God." you are the son of God." you are the son of God." Heavenly Father, will you help us today Heavenly Father, will you help us today Heavenly Father, will you help us today to understand and to know that truth, to understand and to know that truth, to understand and to know that truth, Father, that you are the son of God. Father, that you are the son of God. Father, that you are the son of God. You are exactly who you say you are. You You are exactly who you say you are. You You are exactly who you say you are. You are the King of Kings. You are the Lord are the King of Kings. You are the Lord are the King of Kings. You are the Lord of Lords. You are the creator and of Lords. You are the creator and of Lords. You are the creator and sustainer of all things. sustainer of all things. sustainer of all things. And so, Father, let us And so, Father, let us And so, Father, let us walk in faith walk in faith walk in faith and not be bound by fear. And it's in and not be bound by fear. And it's in and not be bound by fear. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Well, the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Well, the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Well, you may be seated once again. you may be seated once again. you may be seated once again. You know, this week we are celebrating You know, this week we are celebrating You know, this week we are celebrating 250 250 250 years of freedom in America. I mean, I years of freedom in America. I mean, I years of freedom in America. I mean, I think that's incredible, you know, but think about everything you know, but think about everything that had to go into place before that that had to go into place before that that had to go into place before that moment. the meetings that were in moment. the meetings that were in moment. the meetings that were in secret. You know, our founding fathers secret. You know, our founding fathers secret. You know, our founding fathers coming up with this document and then uh coming up with this document and then uh coming up with this document and then uh July 4th of 1776, 56 men, they take a July 4th of 1776, 56 men, they take a July 4th of 1776, 56 men, they take a walk.

walk. walk. They walk into a room They walk into a room They walk into a room knowing full well what they were knowing full well what they were knowing full well what they were committing, committing, committing, either high treason either high treason either high treason or freedom for people. or freedom for people. or freedom for people. and they go in and they sign the and they go in and they sign the and they go in and they sign the Declaration of Independence. And this Declaration of Independence. And this Declaration of Independence. And this walk was determining whether or not walk was determining whether or not walk was determining whether or not freedom would be had in America or not. freedom would be had in America or not. freedom would be had in America or not. But here's the truth. All right? So you But here's the truth. All right? So you But here's the truth. All right? So you and I, I think Hixon said this earlier, and I, I think Hixon said this earlier, and I, I think Hixon said this earlier, but but you and I, we live in the but but you and I, we live in the but but you and I, we live in the freest, greatest nation in the world. freest, greatest nation in the world. freest, greatest nation in the world. All right? You're not supposed to make All right? You're not supposed to make All right? You're not supposed to make like like like I I understand you know that like you're I I understand you know that like you're I I understand you know that like you're not supposed to make objective claims not supposed to make objective claims not supposed to make objective claims like that when they are somewhat like that when they are somewhat like that when they are somewhat subjective but I'm just going to tell subjective but I'm just going to tell subjective but I'm just going to tell you we live in the freest and the you we live in the freest and the you we live in the freest and the greatest nation in the world. All right. greatest nation in the world. All right. greatest nation in the world. All right. So but in the middle of that So but in the middle of that So but in the middle of that in the middle of that here's what is in the middle of that here's what is in the middle of that here's what is difficult difficult difficult where we have a place where we are not where we have a place where we are not where we have a place where we are not scared to gather here. We're not scared scared to gather here. We're not scared scared to gather here. We're not scared to pray out in public.

to pray out in public. to pray out in public. We are not scared of some tyrannical We are not scared of some tyrannical We are not scared of some tyrannical force coming to break us up like they force coming to break us up like they force coming to break us up like they are around the world right now. We are around the world right now. We are around the world right now. We praise God for that. praise God for that. praise God for that. But here in the same time, But here in the same time, But here in the same time, we're walking in this physical freedom we're walking in this physical freedom we're walking in this physical freedom from from from tyranny. tyranny. tyranny. Yet most of us, if not all of us, are Yet most of us, if not all of us, are Yet most of us, if not all of us, are dealing with this tyranny of fear dealing with this tyranny of fear dealing with this tyranny of fear in the freest in the freest in the freest place on earth. place on earth. place on earth. Right? We we are in the freest greatest Right? We we are in the freest greatest Right? We we are in the freest greatest nation in the greatest state on earth. nation in the greatest state on earth. nation in the greatest state on earth. Just don't tell my parents I said that. Just don't tell my parents I said that. Just don't tell my parents I said that. All right? But in the greatest state All right? But in the greatest state All right? But in the greatest state and I believe in the greatest city of and I believe in the greatest city of and I believe in the greatest city of the greatest state of the greatest the greatest state of the greatest the greatest state of the greatest nation of the world. Okay? nation of the world. Okay? nation of the world. Okay? And yet, even in the middle of that, And yet, even in the middle of that, And yet, even in the middle of that, 67% of Americans of Americans identify with crippling anxiety.

identify with crippling anxiety. identify with crippling anxiety. 67%. 67%. 67%. Not just saying, "Hey, I worry about Not just saying, "Hey, I worry about Not just saying, "Hey, I worry about some stuff every now and then." No, they some stuff every now and then." No, they some stuff every now and then." No, they identify with a crippling identify with a crippling identify with a crippling anxiety, meaning it's always over their anxiety, meaning it's always over their anxiety, meaning it's always over their head. 62% say they are anxious about head. 62% say they are anxious about head. 62% say they are anxious about keep keeping themselves and their keep keeping themselves and their keep keeping themselves and their families safe. families safe. families safe. 61% are anxious about paying their bills 61% are anxious about paying their bills 61% are anxious about paying their bills and having enough money uh for the to to and having enough money uh for the to to and having enough money uh for the to to for all of their expenses. I mean so for all of their expenses. I mean so for all of their expenses. I mean so these are realities that Americans are these are realities that Americans are these are realities that Americans are facing facing facing and even though like in the middle of and even though like in the middle of and even though like in the middle of this so then what do we do? We begin to this so then what do we do? We begin to this so then what do we do? We begin to start trying to medicate this fear. start trying to medicate this fear. start trying to medicate this fear. We try to counsel fear out, which I say We try to counsel fear out, which I say We try to counsel fear out, which I say you should. you should. you should. We are researching fear, and that is We are researching fear, and that is We are researching fear, and that is good. We're writing books about fear. good. We're writing books about fear. good. We're writing books about fear. That is good as long as they're Bible- That is good as long as they're Bible- That is good as long as they're Bible- based. We are building uh industries based. We are building uh industries based. We are building uh industries around fear. We check the markets around fear. We check the markets around fear. We check the markets constantly because of fear. We look at constantly because of fear. We look at constantly because of fear. We look at the news because of fear. We scroll the news because of fear. We scroll the news because of fear. We scroll social media because of fear. We lock social media because of fear. We lock social media because of fear. We lock our doors because of fear. And yes, you our doors because of fear. And yes, you our doors because of fear. And yes, you should.

But here's the thing though. But here's the thing though. Uh we worry about our children because Uh we worry about our children because Uh we worry about our children because of fear. We fear what tomorrow might of fear. We fear what tomorrow might of fear. We fear what tomorrow might bring. And yet the irony is that while bring. And yet the irony is that while bring. And yet the irony is that while we have more technology, more we have more technology, more we have more technology, more information, more conveniences, more information, more conveniences, more information, more conveniences, more security than any generation before us, security than any generation before us, security than any generation before us, we have more fear than any generation we have more fear than any generation we have more fear than any generation before us. before us. before us. And now here is the issue of all that And now here is the issue of all that And now here is the issue of all that because you and I, both of us, okay, all because you and I, both of us, okay, all because you and I, both of us, okay, all of us, we have a tendency to treat fear of us, we have a tendency to treat fear of us, we have a tendency to treat fear physically, but then we just can't get physically, but then we just can't get physically, but then we just can't get to the remedy spiritually. to the remedy spiritually. to the remedy spiritually. And I'm going to tell you that I believe And I'm going to tell you that I believe And I'm going to tell you that I believe that that the primary issue is not that that the primary issue is not that that the primary issue is not because we don't have enough X, Y, or Z. because we don't have enough X, Y, or Z. because we don't have enough X, Y, or Z. It is because we have taken our eyes off It is because we have taken our eyes off It is because we have taken our eyes off of Christ himself. of Christ himself. of Christ himself. We forget who Christ is. And here is the We forget who Christ is. And here is the We forget who Christ is. And here is the truth about fear. truth about fear. truth about fear. You have no courage in life You have no courage in life You have no courage in life where you have no vision of Christ.

where you have no vision of Christ. where you have no vision of Christ. That's the truth. That's the truth. That's the truth. Where you lose vision Where you lose vision Where you lose vision in Christ, in Christ, in Christ, fear rises. fear rises. fear rises. It is guaranteed. It is guaranteed. It is guaranteed. And this is what we learn in Matthew And this is what we learn in Matthew And this is what we learn in Matthew chapter 14. chapter 14. chapter 14. We remember the truths We remember the truths We remember the truths about Christ about Christ about Christ that helps us with our fear that fights that helps us with our fear that fights that helps us with our fear that fights fear and helps us to walk in fear and helps us to walk in fear and helps us to walk in faithfulness. And the first one that you faithfulness. And the first one that you faithfulness. And the first one that you and I need to know is that Jesus and I need to know is that Jesus and I need to know is that Jesus sends you. This is hard at times This is hard at times because when you find yourself in the because when you find yourself in the because when you find yourself in the middle of a storm like the disciples, middle of a storm like the disciples, middle of a storm like the disciples, the first question you ask most likely, the first question you ask most likely, the first question you ask most likely, "What did I do "What did I do "What did I do to get here?

What did I do? What did I do? Isn't it the same questions the Isn't it the same questions the Isn't it the same questions the disciples asked Jesus about the blind disciples asked Jesus about the blind disciples asked Jesus about the blind man? He they asked they're like, "Jesus, man? He they asked they're like, "Jesus, man? He they asked they're like, "Jesus, hey, was it his sin hey, was it his sin hey, was it his sin or was it his parents' sin that caused or was it his parents' sin that caused or was it his parents' sin that caused him to be blind?" him to be blind?" him to be blind?" And Jesus is like, And Jesus is like, And Jesus is like, "No, guys, you're you're missing it "No, guys, you're you're missing it "No, guys, you're you're missing it here. It's not his sin or his parents' here. It's not his sin or his parents' here. It's not his sin or his parents' sin. It's so that God may be glorified sin. It's so that God may be glorified sin. It's so that God may be glorified in him and through him. in him and through him. in him and through him. And it's the same thing that we see And it's the same thing that we see And it's the same thing that we see right here right here right here in Matthew 14 22. It says immediately. in Matthew 14 22. It says immediately. in Matthew 14 22. It says immediately. By the way, By the way, By the way, pay attention every time that you see pay attention every time that you see pay attention every time that you see that word immediately. In our text that word immediately. In our text that word immediately. In our text today, today, today, immediately he made the disciples immediately he made the disciples immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go to the other get into the boat and go to the other get into the boat and go to the other side. go ahead of him to the other side side. go ahead of him to the other side side. go ahead of him to the other side as he dismissed the crowds. And so as he dismissed the crowds. And so as he dismissed the crowds. And so here's what is happening. Jesus told here's what is happening. Jesus told here's what is happening. Jesus told him, he's like, "All right, you guys, him, he's like, "All right, you guys, him, he's like, "All right, you guys, y'all get into the boat. Y'all go ahead y'all get into the boat. Y'all go ahead y'all get into the boat. Y'all go ahead and that's it."

and that's it." and that's it." Knowing full well that there is a storm Knowing full well that there is a storm Knowing full well that there is a storm coming. Jesus is omnisient, by the way. coming. Jesus is omnisient, by the way. coming. Jesus is omnisient, by the way. Meaning that he is all knowing. He knows Meaning that he is all knowing. He knows Meaning that he is all knowing. He knows what is coming and he sends them what is coming and he sends them what is coming and he sends them anyways. anyways. anyways. You see what fear says in our lives is You see what fear says in our lives is You see what fear says in our lives is God doesn't know about the storm. God doesn't know about the storm. God doesn't know about the storm. God doesn't know what I am facing. God doesn't know what I am facing. God doesn't know what I am facing. That's what fear does to us. It makes us That's what fear does to us. It makes us That's what fear does to us. It makes us uh believe the whispers of the enemy in uh believe the whispers of the enemy in uh believe the whispers of the enemy in the midst of crisis. And then what what the midst of crisis. And then what what the midst of crisis. And then what what we see from Jesus here is that no no he we see from Jesus here is that no no he we see from Jesus here is that no no he sent you. sent you. sent you. Jesus sends. Jesus sends. Jesus sends. He's the one who is in control of your He's the one who is in control of your He's the one who is in control of your circumstance. He is the one who's in circumstance. He is the one who's in circumstance. He is the one who's in control of your life. And this is the control of your life. And this is the control of your life. And this is the problem is that you and I have believed problem is that you and I have believed problem is that you and I have believed that if I follow Jesus, it should that if I follow Jesus, it should that if I follow Jesus, it should eradicate any discomfort or pain or eradicate any discomfort or pain or eradicate any discomfort or pain or suffering in my life. suffering in my life. suffering in my life. And I'm just going to tell you that And I'm just going to tell you that And I'm just going to tell you that that's a lie from hell to believe. Jesus that's a lie from hell to believe. Jesus that's a lie from hell to believe. Jesus makes another claim. He makes this claim makes another claim. He makes this claim makes another claim. He makes this claim in John chapter 16:33.

in John chapter 16:33. in John chapter 16:33. He says this. He says, "I have told you He says this. He says, "I have told you He says this. He says, "I have told you these things so that in me you may have these things so that in me you may have these things so that in me you may have peace." Okay, good. Let's just end it peace." Okay, good. Let's just end it peace." Okay, good. Let's just end it right there. right there. right there. The problem is the verse keeps going. The problem is the verse keeps going. The problem is the verse keeps going. He says, He says, He says, "You will have suffering in this world. You have my peace, but you will have You have my peace, but you will have suffering." suffering." suffering." All right, that just seems problematic All right, that just seems problematic All right, that just seems problematic in our minds. Those two things cannot in our minds. Those two things cannot in our minds. Those two things cannot coexist. They cannot run parallel coexist. They cannot run parallel coexist. They cannot run parallel together, much less intersect. And Jesus together, much less intersect. And Jesus together, much less intersect. And Jesus says, "No, they actually intersect." says, "No, they actually intersect." says, "No, they actually intersect." That my peace and the suffering of this That my peace and the suffering of this That my peace and the suffering of this world, they actually live hand in hand. world, they actually live hand in hand. world, they actually live hand in hand. They go together. He says this, "Be They go together. He says this, "Be They go together. He says this, "Be courageous. I have conquered the world. courageous. I have conquered the world. courageous. I have conquered the world. Therefore, don't fear.

Therefore, don't fear. Therefore, don't fear. Jesus is saying, "You're going to Jesus is saying, "You're going to Jesus is saying, "You're going to suffer. suffer. suffer. You're going to face challenges. You're You're going to face challenges. You're You're going to face challenges. You're going to have obstacles in life, things going to have obstacles in life, things going to have obstacles in life, things that will cause you to be that will cause you to be that will cause you to be uncomfortable." By the way, isn't that uncomfortable." By the way, isn't that uncomfortable." By the way, isn't that what Jesus did with his disciples what Jesus did with his disciples what Jesus did with his disciples non-stop? non-stop? non-stop? He pushed them out of their comfort zone He pushed them out of their comfort zone He pushed them out of their comfort zone continuously. It was never about the continuously. It was never about the continuously. It was never about the comfort of people. It was never about comfort of people. It was never about comfort of people. It was never about being convenient. Every time that we being convenient. Every time that we being convenient. Every time that we read about what it really means to read about what it really means to read about what it really means to follow Jesus in scripture, it means follow Jesus in scripture, it means follow Jesus in scripture, it means dying to yourself. dying to yourself. dying to yourself. Jesus warns, "Foxes have holes. Jesus warns, "Foxes have holes. Jesus warns, "Foxes have holes. Birds of the air, they have nests, Birds of the air, they have nests, Birds of the air, they have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." What this means is that it his head." What this means is that it his head." What this means is that it will not be comfortable, will not be comfortable, will not be comfortable, but you will have his peace. but you will have his peace. but you will have his peace. That's the promise. That's the promise. That's the promise. And we see this throughout the New And we see this throughout the New And we see this throughout the New Testament. We see this even throughout Testament. We see this even throughout Testament. We see this even throughout this passage.

But Jesus doesn't just sinned. But Jesus doesn't just sinned. He also sees. He also sees. He also sees. All right. So if if we think for a All right. So if if we think for a All right. So if if we think for a moment, moment, moment, okay, Jesus, all right, you sent me okay, Jesus, all right, you sent me okay, Jesus, all right, you sent me here, I'm here. here, I'm here. here, I'm here. It's in the middle of the storm though It's in the middle of the storm though It's in the middle of the storm though that things get really difficult and you that things get really difficult and you that things get really difficult and you begin to lose your vision of Jesus. begin to lose your vision of Jesus. begin to lose your vision of Jesus. That's that's where it happens. in the That's that's where it happens. in the That's that's where it happens. in the middle of suffering, in the middle of middle of suffering, in the middle of middle of suffering, in the middle of the storm, in the middle of the trial, the storm, in the middle of the trial, the storm, in the middle of the trial, in the middle of tribulation. That is in the middle of tribulation. That is in the middle of tribulation. That is when our view of Jesus is somewhat when our view of Jesus is somewhat when our view of Jesus is somewhat obstructed. And then we start to live in obstructed. And then we start to live in obstructed. And then we start to live in fear rather than in faith. fear rather than in faith. fear rather than in faith. And it happens naturally. In fact, I And it happens naturally. In fact, I And it happens naturally. In fact, I mean, the psalmist in Psalm chapter 13 mean, the psalmist in Psalm chapter 13 mean, the psalmist in Psalm chapter 13 asks this question, "How long, O Lord?" asks this question, "How long, O Lord?" asks this question, "How long, O Lord?" And then he asks this. He says, "How And then he asks this. He says, "How And then he asks this. He says, "How long will you hide your face from me?" long will you hide your face from me?" long will you hide your face from me?" This is what fear does. This is what fear does. This is what fear does. This is what the storm does. It it has a This is what the storm does. It it has a This is what the storm does. It it has a way of clouding our vision of Christ. We way of clouding our vision of Christ. We way of clouding our vision of Christ. We start to question, "Lord, are you really start to question, "Lord, are you really start to question, "Lord, are you really good?

good? good? How can you be?" If this is happening, How can you be?" If this is happening, How can you be?" If this is happening, our vision is getting cloud more cloudy our vision is getting cloud more cloudy our vision is getting cloud more cloudy and more cloudy. We start to lose our and more cloudy. We start to lose our and more cloudy. We start to lose our vision of Christ and then he draws us vision of Christ and then he draws us vision of Christ and then he draws us back. Listen to this. This is the back. Listen to this. This is the back. Listen to this. This is the account in Mark chapter 6 of the same account in Mark chapter 6 of the same account in Mark chapter 6 of the same story. story. story. Mark chapter 6 verse 48. It says this. Mark chapter 6 verse 48. It says this. Mark chapter 6 verse 48. It says this. It says he saw them straining at the It says he saw them straining at the It says he saw them straining at the he saw the struggle. he saw the struggle. he saw the struggle. He saw the pain. He saw the pain. He saw the pain. He saw the fear. He saw the fear. He saw the fear. I mean even the psalmist reminds us of I mean even the psalmist reminds us of I mean even the psalmist reminds us of this truth though in Psalm 56:8 it says this truth though in Psalm 56:8 it says this truth though in Psalm 56:8 it says you yourself you yourself you yourself have recorded my wanderings. have recorded my wanderings. have recorded my wanderings. Put my tears in your bottle. Are they Put my tears in your bottle. Are they Put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? You know what that not in your book? You know what that not in your book? You know what that means? It means that Jesus knows every means? It means that Jesus knows every means? It means that Jesus knows every tear you have ever cried. tear you have ever cried. tear you have ever cried. Every burden that you are walking Every burden that you are walking Every burden that you are walking through right now.

through right now. through right now. Every crisis that you are facing, the Every crisis that you are facing, the Every crisis that you are facing, the tragedy you are walking through, the tragedy you are walking through, the tragedy you are walking through, the trial you are enduring, Jesus knows and trial you are enduring, Jesus knows and trial you are enduring, Jesus knows and sees every single one of them. But he sees every single one of them. But he sees every single one of them. But he does not stop at just seeing because does not stop at just seeing because does not stop at just seeing because here's what he does. He responds in here's what he does. He responds in here's what he does. He responds in compassion because this is what it says compassion because this is what it says compassion because this is what it says in verse 25. It says Jesus came toward in verse 25. It says Jesus came toward in verse 25. It says Jesus came toward them. All right, we get worked up over the All right, we get worked up over the next part that it says walking on the next part that it says walking on the next part that it says walking on the sea. sea. sea. And it's like, oh my word, Jesus is And it's like, oh my word, Jesus is And it's like, oh my word, Jesus is walking on top of the water. And yes, it walking on top of the water. And yes, it walking on top of the water. And yes, it is miraculous and it is awesome. is miraculous and it is awesome. is miraculous and it is awesome. You know what is even crazier You know what is even crazier You know what is even crazier is that Jesus would come toward us because remember who we are.

because remember who we are. We are not running toward Christ. We are not running toward Christ. We are not running toward Christ. Like there was a time in your life where Like there was a time in your life where Like there was a time in your life where you were lost. you were lost. you were lost. There was a time in your life where you There was a time in your life where you There was a time in your life where you were obstinate toward the things of God. were obstinate toward the things of God. were obstinate toward the things of God. Whether you want to realize that or Whether you want to realize that or Whether you want to realize that or admit that it or not, it doesn't really admit that it or not, it doesn't really admit that it or not, it doesn't really matter. But that's what scripture says matter. But that's what scripture says matter. But that's what scripture says in Ephesians chapter 2 that you used to in Ephesians chapter 2 that you used to in Ephesians chapter 2 that you used to walk in darkness, you in the ways of the walk in darkness, you in the ways of the walk in darkness, you in the ways of the world. That's what Paul says. world. That's what Paul says. world. That's what Paul says. And it is only by God's grace that he And it is only by God's grace that he And it is only by God's grace that he opened your eyes and and it's because he opened your eyes and and it's because he opened your eyes and and it's because he went to you. went to you. went to you. You see, the one of the greatest feats You see, the one of the greatest feats You see, the one of the greatest feats of of all of Christianity is the fact of of all of Christianity is the fact of of all of Christianity is the fact that Jesus came to those who are wicked that Jesus came to those who are wicked that Jesus came to those who are wicked and in need of being saved. The Bible and in need of being saved. The Bible and in need of being saved. The Bible says, "While we were sinners, that is says, "While we were sinners, that is says, "While we were sinners, that is when Christ saved you." He went to the when Christ saved you." He went to the when Christ saved you." He went to the disciples disciples disciples because he didn't just look and see because he didn't just look and see because he didn't just look and see their struggle. He responded to it. their struggle. He responded to it. their struggle. He responded to it. And it says this in Mark chapter 6 verse And it says this in Mark chapter 6 verse And it says this in Mark chapter 6 verse 48.

48. 48. Same account, same story, just Mark's Same account, same story, just Mark's Same account, same story, just Mark's um rendition. It says uh right after he um rendition. It says uh right after he um rendition. It says uh right after he says that he saw them and came to them, says that he saw them and came to them, says that he saw them and came to them, it says it says it says he wanted to pass them by. he wanted to pass them by. he wanted to pass them by. See, this is a strange phrase. He wanted See, this is a strange phrase. He wanted See, this is a strange phrase. He wanted to pass them by. I mean, that would be to pass them by. I mean, that would be to pass them by. I mean, that would be absolutely crazy. Like Jesus sees them absolutely crazy. Like Jesus sees them absolutely crazy. Like Jesus sees them struggling. He knows that that they struggling. He knows that that they struggling. He knows that that they could be perishing. The disciples at could be perishing. The disciples at could be perishing. The disciples at least believed that they were terrified least believed that they were terrified least believed that they were terrified that they were about to be capsized. that they were about to be capsized. that they were about to be capsized. Their little boat was about to be taken Their little boat was about to be taken Their little boat was about to be taken over by the waves and they were just over by the waves and they were just over by the waves and they were just going to die in the middle of the Sea of going to die in the middle of the Sea of going to die in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. And yet Mark 6:48 says he meant Galilee. And yet Mark 6:48 says he meant Galilee. And yet Mark 6:48 says he meant to pass them by. Can you imagine your to pass them by. Can you imagine your to pass them by. Can you imagine your house burning and then you call the fire house burning and then you call the fire house burning and then you call the fire department and these heroes, you know, department and these heroes, you know, department and these heroes, you know, incredible men of valor, incredible men of valor, incredible men of valor, right? right? right? Everybody wants to be a fireman, Everybody wants to be a fireman, Everybody wants to be a fireman, including police officers, right?

including police officers, right? including police officers, right? Is that right, Chief? I see him right Is that right, Chief? I see him right Is that right, Chief? I see him right there. All right. And you call the fire there. All right. And you call the fire there. All right. And you call the fire department and they see your house department and they see your house department and they see your house burning and they just keep going right burning and they just keep going right burning and they just keep going right by you. They see you waving your hands by you. They see you waving your hands by you. They see you waving your hands and they just keep on going by. and they just keep on going by. and they just keep on going by. That is not what Jesus is doing. That is not what Jesus is doing. That is not what Jesus is doing. To pass them by is what we see all To pass them by is what we see all To pass them by is what we see all throughout the Old Testament. throughout the Old Testament. throughout the Old Testament. It means to reveal glory. It means to reveal glory. It means to reveal glory. This is what the Lord did with Moses. This is what the Lord did with Moses. This is what the Lord did with Moses. Put him in the cliff of the rock and so Put him in the cliff of the rock and so Put him in the cliff of the rock and so that he could pass them him by. It is to that he could pass them him by. It is to that he could pass them him by. It is to reveal his glory. And this is exactly reveal his glory. And this is exactly reveal his glory. And this is exactly what Jesus is doing right here. Verse 26 what Jesus is doing right here. Verse 26 what Jesus is doing right here. Verse 26 says, "When the disciples saw him says, "When the disciples saw him says, "When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. walking on the sea, they were terrified. walking on the sea, they were terrified. It is a ghost, they said. And they cried It is a ghost, they said. And they cried It is a ghost, they said. And they cried out in fear. out in fear. out in fear. This is what fear does to us. This is what fear does to us. This is what fear does to us. It distorts and obstructs It distorts and obstructs It distorts and obstructs our view of Christ. We begin to assume our view of Christ. We begin to assume our view of Christ. We begin to assume the worst of our scenario.

the worst of our scenario. the worst of our scenario. We begin to assume the worst of what is We begin to assume the worst of what is We begin to assume the worst of what is happening to us and and we start happening to us and and we start happening to us and and we start believing the lies of the enemy that believing the lies of the enemy that believing the lies of the enemy that that this is it. This is over. No, that this is it. This is over. No, that this is it. This is over. No, nothing is ever going to get better nothing is ever going to get better nothing is ever going to get better because it's fear that is keeping us because it's fear that is keeping us because it's fear that is keeping us from being able to see the revealed from being able to see the revealed from being able to see the revealed nature. and character of Christ himself. nature. and character of Christ himself. nature. and character of Christ himself. Fear has a way of magnifying the storm Fear has a way of magnifying the storm Fear has a way of magnifying the storm and minimizing Christ in front of us. and minimizing Christ in front of us. and minimizing Christ in front of us. But Jesus doesn't just come to us. But Jesus doesn't just come to us. But Jesus doesn't just come to us. He speaks to us. He speaks to us. He speaks to us. This is what he says This is what he says This is what he says immediately. Again, immediately. Again, immediately. Again, Jesus spoke to them. Jesus spoke to them. Jesus spoke to them. Have courage. It is I. Don't be afraid. It seems strange that that is what It seems strange that that is what Jesus's first response as he comes to Jesus's first response as he comes to Jesus's first response as he comes to them. He just simply says, "Hey, have them. He just simply says, "Hey, have them. He just simply says, "Hey, have courage, man."

courage, man." courage, man." And you're in the middle of a storm and And you're in the middle of a storm and And you're in the middle of a storm and you're in the middle of a trial, you're in the middle of a trial, you're in the middle of a trial, you're facing a difficulty. you're facing a difficulty. you're facing a difficulty. If I came up to you and just been like, If I came up to you and just been like, If I came up to you and just been like, "Hey, man, have courage. Stop being a "Hey, man, have courage. Stop being a "Hey, man, have courage. Stop being a Stop being a wimp. Stop being a wimp. Stop being a wimp. you're going to smack me, right? you're going to smack me, right? you're going to smack me, right? But once again, that's not what Jesus is But once again, that's not what Jesus is But once again, that's not what Jesus is doing. doing. doing. You see, as Jesus is passing them by, You see, as Jesus is passing them by, You see, as Jesus is passing them by, he is telling them exactly what he wants he is telling them exactly what he wants he is telling them exactly what he wants them to know. Because here is our them to know. Because here is our them to know. Because here is our greatest need is to hear. The greatest greatest need is to hear. The greatest greatest need is to hear. The greatest need that you and I have in the middle need that you and I have in the middle need that you and I have in the middle of a storm, in the middle of a battle, of a storm, in the middle of a battle, of a storm, in the middle of a battle, in the middle of a trial, is to hear the in the middle of a trial, is to hear the in the middle of a trial, is to hear the voice of Christ. voice of Christ. voice of Christ. When he says have courage, it's not When he says have courage, it's not When he says have courage, it's not empty. empty. empty. He's saying stand firm. But he continues He's saying stand firm. But he continues He's saying stand firm. But he continues going because he says this. He says it going because he says this. He says it going because he says this. He says it is I. is I. is I. Three words in English. Two words in Three words in English. Two words in Three words in English. Two words in Greek. Ego amiia. It means I am. You see Greek. Ego amiia. It means I am. You see Greek. Ego amiia. It means I am. You see what Jesus just announces right here for what Jesus just announces right here for what Jesus just announces right here for the first time and and for with full the first time and and for with full the first time and and for with full clarity is the deity of who he is. Now clarity is the deity of who he is. Now clarity is the deity of who he is. Now he has just taken on the name of God.

he has just taken on the name of God. he has just taken on the name of God. Why? Because he is God. See this is what Why? Because he is God. See this is what Why? Because he is God. See this is what Matthew has been revealing to us up to Matthew has been revealing to us up to Matthew has been revealing to us up to this point is that Jesus is God himself. this point is that Jesus is God himself. this point is that Jesus is God himself. He is the promised Messiah. It is the He is the promised Messiah. It is the He is the promised Messiah. It is the same language that we see in Exodus same language that we see in Exodus same language that we see in Exodus chapter 3 chapter 3 chapter 3 as Moses is at the burning bush. as Moses is at the burning bush. as Moses is at the burning bush. And this is what happens because as as And this is what happens because as as And this is what happens because as as Moses comes to the burning bush, this is Moses comes to the burning bush, this is Moses comes to the burning bush, this is what happens. He says, "Who am I going what happens. He says, "Who am I going what happens. He says, "Who am I going to say sent me?" to say sent me?" to say sent me?" And what does God say? He says, "You And what does God say? He says, "You And what does God say? He says, "You tell them I am sent you." You see, this tell them I am sent you." You see, this tell them I am sent you." You see, this is the great I am. This is the eternal is the great I am. This is the eternal is the great I am. This is the eternal self-sufficient unchanging nature and self-sufficient unchanging nature and self-sufficient unchanging nature and absolute sovereign God. That's what I am absolute sovereign God. That's what I am absolute sovereign God. That's what I am means. And Jesus is saying, "This is who means. And Jesus is saying, "This is who means. And Jesus is saying, "This is who is with you." You see, if I were writing is with you." You see, if I were writing is with you." You see, if I were writing this story, what I would have done is is this story, what I would have done is is this story, what I would have done is is take away the storm first.

take away the storm first. take away the storm first. Take away the storm and then the Take away the storm and then the Take away the storm and then the disciples might be able to hear better, disciples might be able to hear better, disciples might be able to hear better, see better, all of that. Jesus doesn't see better, all of that. Jesus doesn't see better, all of that. Jesus doesn't do that. You know why? Because Jesus do that. You know why? Because Jesus do that. You know why? Because Jesus doesn't want them to have courage when doesn't want them to have courage when doesn't want them to have courage when the storm is over. Jesus wants us to the storm is over. Jesus wants us to the storm is over. Jesus wants us to have courage because he is Jesus. You have courage because he is Jesus. You have courage because he is Jesus. You see our understanding of biblical see our understanding of biblical see our understanding of biblical courage and confidence is not what is courage and confidence is not what is courage and confidence is not what is happening around us. It is because of happening around us. It is because of happening around us. It is because of the character and nature and the the character and nature and the the character and nature and the promises of Jesus. promises of Jesus. promises of Jesus. He is the great I am and he is the one He is the great I am and he is the one He is the great I am and he is the one who speaks to you every single time you who speaks to you every single time you who speaks to you every single time you open his word. open his word. open his word. He wants to speak to you. He wants to speak to you. He wants to speak to you. He wants that relationship with you. But He wants that relationship with you. But He wants that relationship with you. But here's what is happening as he speaks to here's what is happening as he speaks to here's what is happening as he speaks to them them them and Peter even says to him, he says, and Peter even says to him, he says, and Peter even says to him, he says, "Listen, Lord, if if that is you, then "Listen, Lord, if if that is you, then "Listen, Lord, if if that is you, then tell me to come out on the water." And tell me to come out on the water." And tell me to come out on the water." And then Peter starts to walk toward him.

then Peter starts to walk toward him. then Peter starts to walk toward him. And the last thing we see is that Jesus And the last thing we see is that Jesus And the last thing we see is that Jesus saves. All right? So, it is Jesus who saves. All right? So, it is Jesus who saves. All right? So, it is Jesus who sins. It is Jesus um what's the second sins. It is Jesus um what's the second sins. It is Jesus um what's the second one? one? one? Sees. Thank you for paying attention. Sees. Thank you for paying attention. Sees. Thank you for paying attention. Jesus who sees. It is Jesus who speaks. Jesus who sees. It is Jesus who speaks. Jesus who sees. It is Jesus who speaks. And it is Jesus who saves. Because here And it is Jesus who saves. Because here And it is Jesus who saves. Because here is actually where our greatest fear is. is actually where our greatest fear is. is actually where our greatest fear is. You see, Peter is walking on the water You see, Peter is walking on the water You see, Peter is walking on the water toward Christ. toward Christ. toward Christ. And we give him a hard time, right? And we give him a hard time, right? And we give him a hard time, right? Because we kind of know that in the Because we kind of know that in the Because we kind of know that in the story, we know that he sinks. story, we know that he sinks. story, we know that he sinks. But this is what happened in Peter's But this is what happened in Peter's But this is what happened in Peter's life. life. life. He took that walk, He took that walk, He took that walk, a walk of surrender, a walk of surrender, a walk of surrender, a walk of this. It was a full sinned, a walk of this. It was a full sinned, a walk of this. It was a full sinned, full surrender, allin for Jesus. Why? full surrender, allin for Jesus. Why? full surrender, allin for Jesus. Why? Because Jesus just revealed who he was Because Jesus just revealed who he was Because Jesus just revealed who he was and who he is.

and who he is. and who he is. And so in the midst of that and he calls And so in the midst of that and he calls And so in the midst of that and he calls out to Peter and Peter says listen Lord out to Peter and Peter says listen Lord out to Peter and Peter says listen Lord if it is you then command me to come to if it is you then command me to come to if it is you then command me to come to you. He says come and Peter gets out of you. He says come and Peter gets out of you. He says come and Peter gets out of the boat. He starts walking toward the boat. He starts walking toward the boat. He starts walking toward Jesus. And this is the moment that all Jesus. And this is the moment that all Jesus. And this is the moment that all of us should have in our own lives. That of us should have in our own lives. That of us should have in our own lives. That this is the walk of having no fear this is the walk of having no fear this is the walk of having no fear except for fear of God himself. That except for fear of God himself. That except for fear of God himself. That we're not worried about the we're not worried about the we're not worried about the consequences. We're not hanging on to consequences. We're not hanging on to consequences. We're not hanging on to the comforts of the boat, the the the comforts of the boat, the the the comforts of the boat, the the convenience of the boat. We're not convenience of the boat. We're not convenience of the boat. We're not hanging on to the things of this world. hanging on to the things of this world. hanging on to the things of this world. We're letting everything go. And we're We're letting everything go. And we're We're letting everything go. And we're keeping our eyes on Jesus. And in the keeping our eyes on Jesus. And in the keeping our eyes on Jesus. And in the midst of this, we're getting rid of our midst of this, we're getting rid of our midst of this, we're getting rid of our old self and walking toward our new self old self and walking toward our new self old self and walking toward our new self in Christ himself. And every single follower of Jesus, you And every single follower of Jesus, you have to come to this conclusion. have to come to this conclusion. have to come to this conclusion. Am I going to hang on to what I think is Am I going to hang on to what I think is Am I going to hang on to what I think is best best best or am I going to have a full surrendered or am I going to have a full surrendered or am I going to have a full surrendered heart and walk toward Jesus no matter heart and walk toward Jesus no matter heart and walk toward Jesus no matter what?

what? what? And look at in the middle of it And look at in the middle of it And look at in the middle of it because listen, as we walk with Christ, because listen, as we walk with Christ, because listen, as we walk with Christ, there's still going to be moments of there's still going to be moments of there's still going to be moments of fear. As you walk with Jesus, there fear. As you walk with Jesus, there fear. As you walk with Jesus, there going to be moments of anxiety, moments going to be moments of anxiety, moments going to be moments of anxiety, moments of worry. of worry. of worry. And in all of that, even though that And in all of that, even though that And in all of that, even though that Peter took his eyes off of Christ, he Peter took his eyes off of Christ, he Peter took his eyes off of Christ, he started to see the wind that was about started to see the wind that was about started to see the wind that was about to overtake him, the wave that was going to overtake him, the wave that was going to overtake him, the wave that was going to overtake him. In the middle of that to overtake him. In the middle of that to overtake him. In the middle of that sinking, here's what Peter said. Lord, sinking, here's what Peter said. Lord, sinking, here's what Peter said. Lord, save me. And the last immediately, this save me. And the last immediately, this save me. And the last immediately, this is what Jesus does. He reaches down, is what Jesus does. He reaches down, is what Jesus does. He reaches down, takes hold of Peter, and saves him. takes hold of Peter, and saves him. takes hold of Peter, and saves him. Do you see the difference of what is Do you see the difference of what is Do you see the difference of what is happening for you and for me? happening for you and for me? happening for you and for me? If you want to know whether or not If you want to know whether or not If you want to know whether or not Lord, am I going to go allin with you? Lord, am I going to go allin with you? Lord, am I going to go allin with you? Am I living allin with you? Are you Am I living allin with you? Are you Am I living allin with you? Are you living by faith living by faith living by faith or are you bound by fear?

or are you bound by fear? or are you bound by fear? This fear that is keeping you at bay, This fear that is keeping you at bay, This fear that is keeping you at bay, not walking in confidence with Christ. not walking in confidence with Christ. not walking in confidence with Christ. Because here's what the Lord is calling Because here's what the Lord is calling Because here's what the Lord is calling you to today. you to today. you to today. He is calling you to full surrender in He is calling you to full surrender in He is calling you to full surrender in him. him. him. No fear. Allin with Jesus. Allin with Jesus. Because I'm going to be honest with you. Because I'm going to be honest with you. Because I'm going to be honest with you. I see a lot of people around the nation I see a lot of people around the nation I see a lot of people around the nation who identify with Christ, but who are still bound by fear. but who are still bound by fear. And for us, in order to be able to walk And for us, in order to be able to walk And for us, in order to be able to walk faithfully and effectively, faithfully and effectively, faithfully and effectively, we give all of our fear, all of our we give all of our fear, all of our we give all of our fear, all of our worry, all of our anxieties, everything worry, all of our anxieties, everything worry, all of our anxieties, everything that is holding us back. We just say, that is holding us back. We just say, that is holding us back. We just say, "Lord, here it is with you. Take "Lord, here it is with you. Take "Lord, here it is with you. Take whatever you want. Take my life. Take my whatever you want. Take my life. Take my whatever you want. Take my life. Take my heart. Take my family. Take all that I heart. Take my family. Take all that I heart. Take my family. Take all that I have, all that I am. Because I want to have, all that I am. Because I want to have, all that I am. Because I want to be allin with you. And listen to me.

be allin with you. And listen to me. be allin with you. And listen to me. This will be and is the best decision This will be and is the best decision This will be and is the best decision you can ever make because Jesus promises you can ever make because Jesus promises you can ever make because Jesus promises that he will keep us that he will keep us that he will keep us in the midst of tragedy, in the midst of in the midst of tragedy, in the midst of in the midst of tragedy, in the midst of chaos, in the midst of trial. He will chaos, in the midst of trial. He will chaos, in the midst of trial. He will keep you. Because at that moment that keep you. Because at that moment that keep you. Because at that moment that Jesus reaches down and grabs you as Jesus reaches down and grabs you as Jesus reaches down and grabs you as you're being overwhelmed by the sea of you're being overwhelmed by the sea of you're being overwhelmed by the sea of your fear and you're sinking further and your fear and you're sinking further and your fear and you're sinking further and further, it is only Jesus Christ that further, it is only Jesus Christ that further, it is only Jesus Christ that can rip you up. And listen, and it's not can rip you up. And listen, and it's not can rip you up. And listen, and it's not only for your sake, it's for everybody only for your sake, it's for everybody only for your sake, it's for everybody else around you, too. Because as soon as else around you, too. Because as soon as else around you, too. Because as soon as Peter got into the boat, what does it Peter got into the boat, what does it Peter got into the boat, what does it say in verse 33? say in verse 33? say in verse 33? It says that they began worshiping It says that they began worshiping It says that they began worshiping saying truly saying truly saying truly you are the son of God. you are the son of God. you are the son of God. When you know When you know When you know the character of Jesus, the character of Jesus, the character of Jesus, there will be no circumstance that will there will be no circumstance that will there will be no circumstance that will keep you.

keep you. keep you. The question is, are you going to go The question is, are you going to go The question is, are you going to go allin or not? Are you going to keep allin or not? Are you going to keep allin or not? Are you going to keep walking faithfully and without fear? walking faithfully and without fear? walking faithfully and without fear? Let's pray for that. Heavenly Father, Let's pray for that. Heavenly Father, Let's pray for that. Heavenly Father, will you help us, God, to walk with you? will you help us, God, to walk with you? will you help us, God, to walk with you? God, I pray, Lord, that in the midst of God, I pray, Lord, that in the midst of God, I pray, Lord, that in the midst of the fears that we face, the fears that we face, the fears that we face, God, that your face would be all that we God, that your face would be all that we God, that your face would be all that we see. Father, in the moments of see. Father, in the moments of see. Father, in the moments of disappointments, disappointments, disappointments, God, in the moments that we lack God, in the moments that we lack God, in the moments that we lack courage, courage, courage, in the moments that we are scared and in the moments that we are scared and in the moments that we are scared and fearful, God, I pray that you will show fearful, God, I pray that you will show fearful, God, I pray that you will show yourself all the more as we pursue you. yourself all the more as we pursue you. yourself all the more as we pursue you. God, thank you for saving. Thank you for God, thank you for saving. Thank you for God, thank you for saving. Thank you for having the power to save. And so now, I having the power to save. And so now, I having the power to save. And so now, I am praying for the individual right now am praying for the individual right now am praying for the individual right now who has never been saved. Father, that who has never been saved. Father, that who has never been saved. Father, that today would be the day of salvation, today would be the day of salvation, today would be the day of salvation, that they would be freed from their sin that they would be freed from their sin that they would be freed from their sin and the guilt and the shame, and the guilt and the shame, and the guilt and the shame, and that you would draw them into your and that you would draw them into your and that you would draw them into your presence ever more. And it's in the name presence ever more. And it's in the name presence ever more. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.