Matthew 14:22-32

My Pastor concluded the "Faith Under Fire" series with a lesson on "Trusting God When the Bottom Drops Out" using the walking on water story as an illustration. Following the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus went away to pray.  It was pointed out that there are some spiritual discoveries we make only when we are alone with the Father, thus the importance of prayer.

Jesus sent the disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee, which directed them to encounter the storm.   This shows that there are times storms are a means in which are tested.   And, when Jesus comes to them, it was at the darkest time of the night; but, we can be reassured that even the darkest night does not hide us from the face of God.  The first thing Jesus says to them is "Be not afraid" or "Take Courage", which literally means to stop being afraid and do not be afraid again.  We can also be comforted in the reminder that "no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (1 Corinth 10:13)

Storms reveal the Savior, refine the Believer, and remind us the Jesus is in charge.  By faith, Peter was ready to step out of the boat while the 11 other guys stayed in the boat, but as soon as he took his eyes off the Lord, he began to sink.  The real issue is whether or not we TRUST God.   We should remember that through faith, what is humanly impossible for us, is possible for God.

Storms also enable us to testify of God's power and of His Person.  After this episode, those in the boat worshiped Christ as the Son of God.  It is through storms that we learn the strength of the anchor.  We cannot avoid storms any more than we can control the weather; so, be prepared and don't wait until the storm hits, before we bow our knee.  And remember that God often lets us through the storm so that we may learn WHO HE IS.

To summarize the series are the following ten major life principles:

1.  Suffering and testing are to be expected, but being miserable and refusing to believe God are choices (1 Peter 4:12-13)
2. Faith is like a great idea... it sounds good in theory but it is not real until tested (Hebrews 11:1-2)
3. Tested faith is like refined gold... the hotter the fire; the purer and more valuable that faith becomes (1 Peter 1:7)
4. Be prepared...every calling from God gets tested (1 Peter 2:21)
5. Tests come in many forms but the spiritual resources that will carry you to victory do not change (1 Peter 5:6-9)
6. Without faith you cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6)
7. Testing provides us with the greatest opportunity to honestly see ourselves and to truly see God (1 Peter 4:1-2)
8. Our greatest moments in life can happen in our darkest hour (1 Peter 4:16; Matthew 5:11-12)
9. Tests are temporary; rewards are eternal (Hebrews 11:24-26)
10. Testing is not a sign of God's displeasure but a positive sign of His desire to grow us, prove us, and eternally reward us (2 Peter 5:10-11)