Sent into the Storm Part 2

Hi folks,
Today many of you will have been in a storm, rain or the Black Friday crowd. The storms of life come as no surprise to God.
MATT 14:21-33 About five thousand were fed.

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. He stayed there alone, late into the night. Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”
He said, “Come ahead.”
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”

Here I am reminded Jesus cares for my needs. He multiplied the meat and bread to feed the large crowd. Having taken care of them He sent them on their way. First sending the disciples ahead then going up into the mountain to be by himself and pray. It is important that we take time to follow Jesus' lead.
 
Notice the disciples were caught up in a storm and then they were frightened when they saw what they thought was a ghost walking on the water. They just didn't get it. (I don't either sometimes) Jesus called out to them and comforted them. They had just witnessed the miracle of the food and had been rescued from another storm.
 
Jesus knew the storm was blowing in and the safest place for his disciples was to be in the boat. He had another plan to reveal a new truth to the disciples as he came to their rescue. They responded, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”


When the storms come they aren't always evil but an opportunity for Jesus to reveal himself in a new way. He has been good at that with all his people. The old testament records many different names for God. Each as a result of them personally knowing God through a new set of circumstances. Do you only have one or two names for God. Get out of the noise and spend more time with him in his word, prayer and listening.

See ya Sunday for the 11AM service!