Our message today comes from Matthew 14: 26 - 31.
26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Most people have heard this story of Jesus walking on the water. Many relate it to miracles of Jesus but there is so much more to this scripture than just the miracles Jesus performed. It is about stepping out of the boat on FAITH. If we are ever going to act on our full potential as Christians we must get out of the boat. Many are scared to even get into the boat let alone step out of the boat. Jesus told Peter to "Come and step out of the boat." Peter knew the water was beneath him. He knew he would need to take a leap of faith to step onto the water with Jesus. Imagine the thoughts that probably went through his head before stepping onto the water. He stepped out and for a moment walked on the water with Jesus, but the minute he let his FEAR get the best of him, he began to sink.
FEAR can help us grow but FEAR can also cripple us. You either have FEAR WITH FAITH or you have FEAR WITHOUT FAITH. Fear WITH Faith is good. People that possess Fear With Faith act on their callings. People that possess Fear Without Faith are the ones that sit in the boat all their lives. How many of us are sitting in the boat and just watching the others step out of the boat? A lot of people who attend church are doing just that. They are afraid to step up because something requires too much responsibility or time or they are afraid of what others will say to them. OR they are afraid they will be asked to do even more?! Many church going people think and act in this way...."No, pastor, I think today I am going to just sit in this boat where I am comfortable and let everyone else step out. I'm too tired. I'm too old. I'm too young. I'm not good at this or that. But, pastor, when Jesus returns, I'll be ready."
LISTEN.....Do you really think God is going to notice you if you are just sitting in the boat? He will come for those with FAITH. You are either WITH Him or AGAINST Him. Where are you? Are you sitting in the boat letting everyone else do the work YOU are being called to do? Are you scared like Peter was to step out. Jesus said, "DO NOT BE AFRAID." Look at the scripture again. What happened when Peter began to sink? He called out, "Save me." Jesus didn't just let him drown. Jesus grabbed him and helped him.
We are seeing churches fall and sink because people are just sitting in the boat afraid to step out. Noah never told God, "You got the wrong man." Noah "got out of the boat" in a sense. He took a leap of faith. He listened to God's commands and acted on them. If you are struggling with a decision to serve, God is telling you to "Come" just as Jesus said to Peter. It isn't what you've got, it is what He will give you. What exactly have we to fear (except answering to God)? STEP OUT of the BOAT!
You either have to step out of the boat or we will just be another church. Your church can not grow and DO WHAT GOD WANTS IT TO DO if all the member lazily just sit in the boat. Don't put it off another day. God has a plan for you. No excuses will be accepted.
Great is the reward for those that step out of the boat. This week I encourage you to look up and study the following scriptures. Genesis 15:1, Matthew 5:12, Matthew 6:1 - 2, Revelation 20:11, Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10. Please, I urge you....if God has spoken to you, don't just sit there! Get out of the boat and serve!
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