Background Context: John, the baptist, was just beheaded. Jesus was with over 5,000 people who He fed with 2 fish and five loaves of bread when he learned about his cousin, John.
Reading Matthew 14:22-32
1. Go in when God says. Jesus told the disciples to get into the boat and go to the other side. They knew the destination, but they didn't know what would happen in between.
Many people are scared to make a move because they are not sure of what will happen after they take the first step. Many won't go because they are too afraid that it won't turn out right. If your fear is what's keeping you, then you will never progress. Failure can happen, but if Jesus told you to do it, you will get there. If you start, He will help you finish.
Reflection: Has the fear of the journey ahead ever bothered you to the point that you don't even start?
2. Trust that He will do it. Keep Pushing In verse 24, we see that they obeyed and went on their way to the other side, but the waves tossed and the wind was wild. Have you felt like there were times where hard things were coming from everywhere? There will always be storms and they come at any time. When things are difficult, it doesn't mean we stop and give up. We keep pushing.
Listen to Him You have to be able to hear what the Spirit of God is saying to you. When storms come, quiet yourself so that you can hear from the Lord and so that you don't say the wrong thing. Be quiet and trust God. Do not allow fear to consume you, where you are at the point that you won't trust God. Fear can be blinding, causing you to miss God and His powerful authority over the storms of your life.
Reflection: Do you know how to hear from God?
1 Peter 5:7-11 - God cares for you! He is completely kind to us and promises that He will make everything right. He caused us to be united to Christ so that we will be with Him always! He will make you completely as you should be! You will be strong so that nothing can stop you from believing him.
Believe Him. God will increase your faith and drown out your fear! He will do exceedingly and abundantly above all that you can ask or imagine! He will supply all your needs according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: Do you believe God for what He says and what He will do?