JESUS ON THE SEA 30/01/11

JESUS ON THE SEA

As the night was ending, Jesus came to them walking on the sea.Mat14:25.

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dispersed the crowds. Mat14:22.

This is  a training for the disciples. Jesus is watching all our steps - our situations, work,and troubles we are going through.

We have alot of lessons from the eagle. Eagles devote much time to train their young ones by pushing and kicking the eaglets out  of the nest. When they are going down to the earth, flapping, the eagle goes faster to carry it up with its wings. Jesus trains His children to do the right thing at the right time, even at the right place and take us to the higher level. Many christians are not aware of this training period and yell at God.

Today we are going to see

1. How did the disciples see the problem?
2. How did Jesus handle the problem?

HOW DID THE DISCIPLES SEE THE PROBLEM

FORCE:

Meanwhile the boat, already far from land, was taking a beating from the waves because the wind was against it. Mat14:24.

Here we see the wind was contrary. If something is happening against us we should understand that we are going through a training period.You might not have any knowledge of handling your situation. Trust in the All-known God at all times as He is with you always. God says, "This contrary wind will not tilt you down, God will lift you up forever".

FAKE:

said, “It’s a ghost!” and cried out with fear. Mat14:26.

Unnecessary imagination of false things. How am I going to face this? what will I do if I loose this job? As we forgot that force was allowed by Jesus to train us, we have all these false imaginations and fear. If you have good faith in God during this period God will take off the fear in you and and bless you. Things which you fear will not come to you instead God will bless you.

FEAR:

When the disciples saw him walking on the water they were terrified. Mat14:26.

Worries and anxieties come out of fear. Where there is love there is no fear. God is love, Many times we forget that God is with us.God says,"See there is nothing to worry about as I take control of all your things. I am with thee and will keep thee in all places".

Falling:

But when he saw the strong wind he became afraid. And starting to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Mat14:30.

Many of you think that your situation is going worsened and are asking how am I going to meet all my family requirements. God is there with you to meet your needs. His ability is connected with His willingness to do for His people. Jesus lifted up peter from the water when he was sinking out of fear the same Jesus is alive and true to lift you up today.

HOW DID JESUS HANDLE THE SITUATION

whenever you face a problem imagine if Jesus is in your place how will He deal with it. Your problem may stand as a mountain before you but God says, " My Father will look after it, He is Jehovah Jireh."

COURAGE:

But immediately Jesus spoke to them: “Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” Mat14:27

God says, "I am with you and you are with Me and together we will achieve. Believe Iam with you always and have good courage."

Prayer: Oh Lord, let me be conscious that you are with me always and Dare to face my problems and deal with it in Your name. I believe thy feet which walks on the sea is with us. Amen.

FAITH:

Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught Him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Mat14:31

Have faith in God. Always have in mind that nothing is impossible for God. God says, " You need to put all your trust in Me".

Prayer: Lord, give me a conviction that you are always there on my side to help me to deal with my problems and overcome it in the way you carry out. Amen.

CONCRETE:

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Mat14:31

Faith and doubt cannot be in the same place. We should have a concrete belief in God. God proves to them who trust in Him that He has authority ove the wind and the sea. No husband should doubt his wife and viceversa and no Parents should doubt their children. Clarify everything by a good and peaceful talk. Beware of doubts. "Doubt" comes from Satan. so do not confuse yourself.

CEASING:

When they went up into the boat, the wind ceased. Mat14:32.

Jesus says, " YOur training period has come to an end." From now on you are going to see the blessings which were stopped before. Now to Him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.