August 4th, 2024
by Dr. Jimmy Arthur Atkins
by Dr. Jimmy Arthur Atkins
Stepping Out of Your Boat
Have you ever felt like you were living in someone else's shadow? Maybe it's the shadow of self-doubt, the shadow of past mistakes, or even the shadow of expectations of others. If so, you're not alone. Many of us struggle with stepping out of our comfort zones and into the life God has planned for us. But what if I told you that stepping out of your "boat" could lead to a life of faith, courage, and purpose?
In today’s sermon, we explored the story of Peter walking on water towards Jesus (Matthew 14:22-33). This powerful narrative teaches us three essential steps to keep our lives from sinking: trusting God, having fearless faith, and working our worship. Let's dive deeper into these steps and discover how you can apply them to your life.
Trust God, Don't Test Him
The first step is to stop testing God and start trusting Him. When Peter asked Jesus to tell him to come on the water, I believe he was testing the waters—literally and figuratively. Instead of fully trusting Jesus, Peter was cautious, dipping his toe in rather than diving in wholeheartedly.
Trusting God means taking Him at His word. Isaiah 43:2 says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." Trust that God is with you, even in the most turbulent times. Remember, Jesus is the living water, and when you drink from Him, you will never thirst again (John 4:13 NLT).
Change Your Faith from Fair Weather to Fearless
The second step is to change your faith from fair weather to fearless. Fair-weather faith is only active when life is smooth sailing. But what happens when the winds and waves start to churn? Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm around him.
Fearless faith means keeping your eyes on Jesus, no matter the circumstances. Sometimes, God allows the waters to trouble to test our faith and strengthen our trust in Him. Just like Harriet Tubman used the song "Wade in the Water" to guide our ancestors to safety, God uses troubled waters to guide us closer to Him. When you feel like you're sinking, call out to Jesus, and He will reach out His hand to save you.
Work Your Worship, Not Your Worry
The final step is to work your worship, not your worry. When Peter and Jesus got back into the boat, the wind died down, and the disciples began to worship Jesus, recognizing Him as the Son of God. When you worship, you invite God's presence into your situation, and His peace will calm the storm. Philippians 4:6 says don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything (NLT).
Conclusion
So, what’s holding you back from stepping out of your boat? Is it fear, doubt, or past mistakes? Jesus is calling you to step out and trust Him. He wants to take you to places where no eye has seen, and no ear has heard (1 Corinthians 2:9). This week, focus on trusting God, having fearless faith, and working your worship.
Ask yourself: What step can I take today to trust Jesus more? Maybe it's spending more time in prayer, reading your Bible, or simply taking a step of faith in a challenging situation. Whatever it is, know that Jesus is with you, ready to catch you if you start to sink.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to step out of our boats and into a life of faith and purpose. Help us to trust You fully, even when the waters are troubled. Strengthen our faith to be fearless, keeping our eyes on Jesus. Teach us to worship You in every circumstance, knowing that You are in control. Guide us and lead us as we step out in faith this week. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Have you ever felt like you were living in someone else's shadow? Maybe it's the shadow of self-doubt, the shadow of past mistakes, or even the shadow of expectations of others. If so, you're not alone. Many of us struggle with stepping out of our comfort zones and into the life God has planned for us. But what if I told you that stepping out of your "boat" could lead to a life of faith, courage, and purpose?
In today’s sermon, we explored the story of Peter walking on water towards Jesus (Matthew 14:22-33). This powerful narrative teaches us three essential steps to keep our lives from sinking: trusting God, having fearless faith, and working our worship. Let's dive deeper into these steps and discover how you can apply them to your life.
Trust God, Don't Test Him
The first step is to stop testing God and start trusting Him. When Peter asked Jesus to tell him to come on the water, I believe he was testing the waters—literally and figuratively. Instead of fully trusting Jesus, Peter was cautious, dipping his toe in rather than diving in wholeheartedly.
Trusting God means taking Him at His word. Isaiah 43:2 says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." Trust that God is with you, even in the most turbulent times. Remember, Jesus is the living water, and when you drink from Him, you will never thirst again (John 4:13 NLT).
Change Your Faith from Fair Weather to Fearless
The second step is to change your faith from fair weather to fearless. Fair-weather faith is only active when life is smooth sailing. But what happens when the winds and waves start to churn? Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm around him.
Fearless faith means keeping your eyes on Jesus, no matter the circumstances. Sometimes, God allows the waters to trouble to test our faith and strengthen our trust in Him. Just like Harriet Tubman used the song "Wade in the Water" to guide our ancestors to safety, God uses troubled waters to guide us closer to Him. When you feel like you're sinking, call out to Jesus, and He will reach out His hand to save you.
Work Your Worship, Not Your Worry
The final step is to work your worship, not your worry. When Peter and Jesus got back into the boat, the wind died down, and the disciples began to worship Jesus, recognizing Him as the Son of God. When you worship, you invite God's presence into your situation, and His peace will calm the storm. Philippians 4:6 says don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything (NLT).
Conclusion
So, what’s holding you back from stepping out of your boat? Is it fear, doubt, or past mistakes? Jesus is calling you to step out and trust Him. He wants to take you to places where no eye has seen, and no ear has heard (1 Corinthians 2:9). This week, focus on trusting God, having fearless faith, and working your worship.
Ask yourself: What step can I take today to trust Jesus more? Maybe it's spending more time in prayer, reading your Bible, or simply taking a step of faith in a challenging situation. Whatever it is, know that Jesus is with you, ready to catch you if you start to sink.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to step out of our boats and into a life of faith and purpose. Help us to trust You fully, even when the waters are troubled. Strengthen our faith to be fearless, keeping our eyes on Jesus. Teach us to worship You in every circumstance, knowing that You are in control. Guide us and lead us as we step out in faith this week. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Recent
Archive
Categories
no categories
Tags
no tags
No Comments