Theme Verse -

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV84) — 17 The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

Matthew 14:24–33 (NLT) — 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

1. Sinking in doubt

• Doubt is the first step to drowning.
• Doubt is having faith in your adversary.
• Doubt is human. Doubt is earthly. Doubt is a chicken; faith is an eagle. Doubt is thinking small; faith is thinking great.

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) — 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

2. Sinking in fear

• Once doubt has taken root, fear follows on its heels.
• Humans are born with only 2 fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noise. Throughout our lives we can develop up to 2000 fears.
• Fear is a prison - in what prison of fear are you living?

3. Sinking in torment

• Think of this moment as Jesus putting His hand down into the water and pulling you out. Will you call on the name of Jesus? Will you grab His hand?

Isaiah 43:2–3 (NLT) — 2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place.