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Walking on Glassy Conditions in Stormy Weather

Writer's picture: afmincanada (Bible Study)afmincanada (Bible Study)

Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-33


Introduction


Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we dig into a powerful narrative story found in Matthew 14:22-33. This passage records an extraordinary event where Jesus walks on water and Peter, at Jesus' command, does the same. Through this story, we learn profound lessons about faith, obedience, and the supernatural power of Christ in our lives, especially when faced with the stormy weather of life's challenges.


The purpose of this sermon is for the Lord to guide us in navigating challenging situations, similar to how he guided Peter to walk on water in stormy weather. Each of us encounters various difficulties and trials in our lives. I pray that the Lord will assist us in having faith to overcome these obstacles in Jesus' name.


Explaining Glassy conditions in contrast to water:


  1. Just as water is fluid and unpredictable, our glassy situations are those moments in life that seem fragile and beyond our control. These are times when our footing seems unsure, and we are uncertain of our next step.

  2. Imagine the disciples' amazement and fear as they saw Jesus walking on water. Our unimaginable situations are those challenges we never anticipated, problems that seem too vast to overcome.

  3. Water cannot hold our weight naturally similar to the fragile qualities of glass. In the same way, our fragile scenarios just like glass are those moments when it feels like everything could collapse beneath us, where our strength alone is insufficient.


When you are walking on glassy conditions and stormy weather, there are six qualities that are required to navigate such situations successfully according to Matthew 14:22-33:


  1. Obedience: Peter stepped out of the boat at Jesus' command. Obedience to God's word is the first step to overcoming any trial. Jesus said, "Come," and Peter obeyed, even when it defied logic (Matthew 14:29). Obedience to God’s direction is crucial. It may not always make sense to us, but God’s wisdom far exceeds our understanding. When we obey, we align ourselves with God’s plan, opening the door for His power to work through us.

  2. Faith: Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Peter’s initial steps on the water were a testament to his faith in Jesus. We must trust in God’s promises even when we cannot see the way forward. Faith enables us to move beyond our comfort zones, trusting that God will provide and protect. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), and it is through faith that we experience His miracles.

  3. Total Dependence: Proverbs 3:5-6 advises us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Peter’s experience teaches us to depend entirely on Jesus, not on our own understanding or strength. Depending on God means relinquishing or abandoning control and allowing Him to guide us. It is recognizing our limitations and embracing His infinite capabilities. In our weakness, His strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9).

  4. Total Reliance: As Peter walked on water, he relied on Jesus’ power, not his own. Our fragile situations call for a total reliance on God’s power. As Zechariah 4:6 reminds us, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty. Reliance on God’s Spirit empowers us to face challenges beyond our human ability. It is His Spirit that gives us wisdom, strength, and courage to overcome the obstacles we encounter.

  5. Complete Trust: When Peter began to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" and immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. Complete trust in God means knowing that He is always ready to save us, no matter how dire our situation seems. Trusting God means believing that He will act on our behalf, even when circumstances seem impossible. Trust is built through our relationship with Him, knowing His character and His promises.

  6. Desire for Adventure and Conquest: Peter’s willingness to step out of the boat was an act of boldness and a desire for adventure. In our spiritual journey, God calls us to have a spirit of adventure, a desire to step out in faith and conquer the challenges before us. As 2 Timothy 1:7 encourages, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." Embracing the adventure of faith means being open to God’s calling, willing to take risks for His kingdom. It is the desire to see His power manifest in and through our lives as we trust Him for the impossible.


A Comparison of Man’s Reactions to God's Word from Matthew 14:22-33:


As I went through this Lord revealed to me man’s different reactions when they hear God's Word. It is crucial to consider the different reactions of the disciples when they saw Jesus walking on water, which mirrors how people react to hearing God's word. From the passage we find four reactions of man when they hear God's word, command and promises.


1.     Fear and Misunderstanding: Some of the disciples reacted with fear, thinking they saw a ghost (Matthew 14:26). Similarly, when people first hear the word of God, they might respond with fear or misunderstanding. They might not recognize God's voice and may be overwhelmed by their circumstances. Fear and misunderstanding can hinder our ability to receive and act on God's word. It’s important to remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). By seeking clarity through prayer and scripture, we can overcome fear and grow in our understanding of God's voice.


2.     Seeking Confirmation: Peter, on the other hand, sought confirmation. When Jesus identified Himself, Peter asked, "Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water" (Matthew 14:28). This represents those who hear God's word and seek further confirmation, wanting to ensure they are following God's will. Seeking confirmation is a natural and wise response when discerning God's direction. We are encouraged to test the spirits to see whether they are from God (1 John 4:1). By doing so, we build a stronger foundation of faith and ensure we are walking in alignment with God’s will.


3.     Stepping Out in Faith: Peter’s response after Jesus confirmed it was Him is a powerful demonstration of faith. He stepped out of the boat and walked on water. This is akin to those who hear God's word, believe, and act upon it despite the odds. Stepping out in faith requires courage and trust in God’s promises. James 2:26 reminds us that faith without deeds is dead. When we act on our faith, we open ourselves to experiencing God’s miraculous power in our lives, just as Peter did.


4.     Remaining Quiet: The other disciples stayed in the boat, perhaps too fearful or doubtful to take that step of faith. This reflects those who hear the word but remain passive, missing out on experiencing God's power in their lives. Remaining passive can result in missed opportunities for growth and experiencing God’s power. Hebrews 4:2 warns that hearing the good news without faith is of no value. It is essential to combine hearing with faith and action to fully receive the blessings God has in store.


Conclusion


Reflect on your current situation. What are the “glassy” waters you are facing? Are you willing to step out of the boat in obedience to Christ’s call? Spend time in prayer, asking God for the faith and courage to step out in obedience. Meditate on His promises and let His word strengthen your heart. Share your journey with fellow believers. Encourage each other in faith, supporting one another in prayer and practical help.


As we face the glassy conditions and stormy weather in our lives, let us remember Peter’s example and Jesus’ unwavering support. Let us step out in faith, fully relying on God’s power, and embrace the adventure of walking with Christ. No matter how fragile or unimaginable our situation may seem, with Jesus, we can walk on water. May God bless you all as you step out in faith and trust in His mighty power.


__________________________________________________________________________________


God bless you so much. May the peace of God dwell within you throughout this week. If you've been touched by today's message and wish to explore deeper faith, join us for Sunday services at AFM in Canada. Our address and location is on our website. Together, we can grow in love, strengthen our community, and uplift each other in our spiritual journeys. We look forward to welcoming you into our family. Blessings and grace be upon you.

 

Senior Pastor

Leo T Mukumba

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