1. We Walk by Faith … We Walk by Faith … Mt 14:25-31

3. General thoughts… Ps 1:1 - Walking symbolizes the way we live, act, conduct ourselves on this journey of life. To walk by faith requires we know our God and His promises. Rm 10:17 - Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Faith is NOT a power or force. Heb 11:1 - Faith is confident believing that God will do what He says He will do; that He will be faithful to Who He says He is.

5. Walking on water – by faith Was Peter showing off, proving he had more faith than others? Was Peter showing off, proving he had more faith than others? The storm caused him to walk by faith. The storm caused him to walk by faith. He wanted to be close to Jesus. He wanted to be close to Jesus. Hb 11:6 “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hb 11:6 “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” 2 Cor 5:7 – “We walk by faith not by sight.” 2 Cor 5:7 – “We walk by faith not by sight.” Storms should draw us closer to Jesus. (“Boat folk” just hunker down….) Storms should draw us closer to Jesus. (“Boat folk” just hunker down….)

6. 1. The success in the walk Jesus called. Peter responded. That’s faith. Jesus called. Peter responded. That’s faith. (He stepped out on a single word from the Lord.) (He stepped out on a single word from the Lord.) A walk of faith requires obedience. A walk of faith requires obedience. Mk 9:23 “… Everything is possible to him that believes.” (trust & obey!) Mk 9:23 “… Everything is possible to him that believes.” (trust & obey!) Obedience to the Word of God, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, will guide our walk. Obedience to the Word of God, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, will guide our walk.

7. 2. The sinking in the walk Fear will always cause you to “sink.” Fear will always cause you to “sink.” Looking at our circumstances can “sink” us. Looking at our circumstances can “sink” us. The enemy will always encourage us to take our eyes off of Jesus and to look elsewhere for what we need in the storm, anything to eliminate or, at the very least, minimize our fear, concerns, our pain and discomfort. The enemy will always encourage us to take our eyes off of Jesus and to look elsewhere for what we need in the storm, anything to eliminate or, at the very least, minimize our fear, concerns, our pain and discomfort.

8. 3. The saving in the walk When “go When “going down,” cry out to Jesus to save you. He didn’t drown in his troubles, or give up in his troubles – he prayed… He didn’t drown in his troubles, or give up in his troubles – he prayed… …And Jesus heard his cry! …And Jesus heard his cry!

9. 4. The scolding after the walk “….why did you doubt?” (Jesus’ tone is chiding but tender) “….why did you doubt?” (Jesus’ tone is chiding but tender) Peter had seen Jesus heal his sick mother- in-law, turn water into wine, feed 5,000 – he had no legitimate reason to doubt. Peter had seen Jesus heal his sick mother- in-law, turn water into wine, feed 5,000 – he had no legitimate reason to doubt. How many times have you watched the Lord do something miraculous in your life? How many times have you watched the Lord do something miraculous in your life? Do you still doubt? Do you still doubt?

10. Closing thoughts… Faith is more than believing in spite of the circumstances. It’s obedience in spite of the consequences. Faith is more than believing in spite of the circumstances. It’s obedience in spite of the consequences. Unbelief can rob you just as surely as the devil himself. The voice of unbelief often is backed by reason, but following & obeying Jesus does not too often require reason. If it did, it wouldn’t be faith that motivates. Unbelief can rob you just as surely as the devil himself. The voice of unbelief often is backed by reason, but following & obeying Jesus does not too often require reason. If it did, it wouldn’t be faith that motivates.

11. Be blessed! Heb 12:1b &2 “…let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that entangles us, and let us run the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…” Heb 12:1b &2 “…let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that entangles us, and let us run the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…” 2 Tim 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;” 2 Tim 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;”