Sermon Title: Year of Popularity - Calming the Storm
Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the crowd. After He said good-bye to them, He went away to the mountain to pray. When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land. He saw them being battered as they rowed, because the wind was against them. Around three in the morning He came toward them walking on the sea and wanted to pass by them. When they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately He spoke with them and said, “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. They were completely astounded, because they had not understood about the loaves. Instead, their hearts were hardened.
“There is nothing that will change things!” I have often heard that statement made by individuals who are facing very difficult situations. They are in despair because they think that their circumstances will never improve or change. The disciples certainly could relate to that feeling. When they were in the boat as the storm ravished the sea, they each thought they were going to die in a terrible manner. And then they see what they think is a ghost and immediately they believe there situation has only gotten worse. But notice what Jesus tells them to do – “Don’t be afraid.”
In reality, the disciples were silly to be afraid – Jesus was with them, walking on the very water that He created. What would happen to them that would not happen outside the will of Jesus? The Creator of all was in their midst and nothing was stronger than Him. And truly, it is silly to believe that the situations and circumstances that we face will never change or be used of God for some greater purpose. God is in control; He is in the middle of our lives and He will care for us just like He did for the disciples.
This coming Sunday we are going to talk about three important principles found in this Scripture: the principles of possibility, power and presence. If we are able to apply these principles to our lives and view life through them, we will be able to then do what Jesus asked the disciples to do, “Don’t be afraid.” Hope to see you then!
