Make it Reign - Stormy Weather

Pericope: Matthew 14: 22 - 31 2 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Sermon Text: Matthew 14: 28 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

Sermon Title: Make It Reign Pt 2 Stormy Weather!

Point 1:  It’s never the right time for a storm!  Matthew 14:25 (TLB)

25 About four o’clock in the morning Jesus came to them, walking on the water!     

·       But storms don’t come according to our timing. 

·       It’s not according to your time/watch chronos but God time/watch which Kiros. 

·       Kiros time is when God intersects and intervenes our time for an event he scheduled in eternity. 

Point 2:  Storms always makes it more difficult to see Jesus.  Vs 26 26 They screamed in terror, for they thought he was a ghost.

·       Storms come in many forms. 

·       Jesus give me wisdom.

·       James 1: 5, 6 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Point 3:  Jesus will always ask you to come into the storm. Vs. 28, 29 (TLB) Then Peter called to him: “Sir, if it is really you, tell me to come over to you, walking on the water.” 29 “All right,” the Lord said, “come along!” So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.     

·       Jesus literally asked Peter to come deeper into the storm. 

·       Which brings up question how does Peter hear Jesus in a storm?  John 10: 27 27 My sheep recognize my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Point 4: Stormy weather is always a forecast of more faith. Vs 31 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Vs. 22-23 (MSG) 22-23 As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray.

        a. Don’t take the storm personally.

Matthew 5: 45 45… For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust too.

        b. Plant during the storm Time, Talent and Treasure. Ecc 3:11 Everything is appropriate in its own time. But though God has planted eternity in the hearts of men, even so, many cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end., Isaiah 55: 10, 11 10 As the rain and snow come down from heaven and stay upon the ground to water the earth, and cause the grain to grow and to produce seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry, 11 so also is my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It shall accomplish all I want it to and prosper everywhere I send it.

        c. Expect a harvest. Haggai 2:9The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.

Point 5: The storm is for you and your crew. Vs 33 33 The others sat there, awestruck. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

·       Spread your faith

·       Connect to Jesus

·       Share the joy.