Overboard in the Storm

Matthew 14:23-29 After Jesus said goodbye to the people, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. It was late, and he was there alone. By this time the boat was already a long way from shore. Since the wind was blowing against it, the boat was having trouble because of the waves. Between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus’ followers were still in the boat. Jesus came to them. He was walking on the water. When they saw him walking on the water, it scared them. “It’s a ghost!” they said, screaming in fear. But Jesus quickly spoke to them. He said, “Don’t worry! It’s me! Don’t be afraid.” Peter said, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come, Peter.”

The thing that I’ve noticed is that when Jesus calls us out of our comfort zone, out to follow Him, it never seems like it’s a good time. There’s always some excuse not to follow Him. Have you noticed that too?

So … a storm hits your life. It’s a big one. You don’t know if you’re going to make it through. We’ve all had them, and doubtless there are more on the way. So how are you going to react when storms hit your life?

Matthew 14:23-29 After Jesus said goodbye to the people, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. It was late, and he was there alone. By this time the boat was already a long way from shore. Since the wind was blowing against it, the boat was having trouble because of the waves. Between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus’ followers were still in the boat. Jesus came to them. He was walking on the water. When they saw him walking on the water, it scared them. “It’s a ghost!” they said, screaming in fear. But Jesus quickly spoke to them. He said, “Don’t worry! It’s me! Don’t be afraid.” Peter said, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come, Peter.”

Petulant Peter! Really? I think most of us would have stayed in the boat with the other eleven. But Peter obviously decided that he was safer out on the stormy sea with Jesus than back in the boat with his friends. Interesting choice.

Storms are never an excuse to curl up into a ball and be afraid. When those storms hit, as they surely will, cry out to Jesus … and when He calls you, step out of the boat.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.

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Roberta

I love that last paragraph … Storms are never an excuse to curl up in a ball …

I love that last paragraph … Storms are never an excuse to curl up in a ball …



Lorraine

Berni it is so good to find Gods words of love and wisdom each day. You write with so much love and understanding. We ...

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Berni it is so good to find Gods words of love and wisdom each day.
You write with so much love and understanding.
We are indeed blessed with your messages to us and such a great way to start our day.
Thank you.
Blessings
Lorraine



Faith Mwaniki

Hi Crystal, Please know that we are praying for you……and Yes let’s fix our eyes on Jesus…He is ...

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Hi Crystal, Please know that we are praying for you……and Yes let’s fix our eyes on Jesus…He is our high priest forever!



Crystal Carter

Great reminder! I’ve had storms in the past and I’m going through one now. I’d like to think ...

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Great reminder! I’ve had storms in the past and I’m going through one now. I’d like to think I’d go with Peter ( but not look down!!!) but would value prayer for courage to stick it out and go with Jesus. Thankyou for these daily readings which remind us time and again to KEEP OUR EYES ON JESUS.Crystal



Steven Waghorn

I appreciate how genuine you are in your faith Bernie and how relationship oriented you are without a lot of religious ...

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I appreciate how genuine you are in your faith Bernie and how relationship oriented you are without a lot of religious waffle.
Keep giving us God’s word fresh… it often speaks to me with direction and purpose.
You are a big encouragement to the body of CHRIST keep going.
Love Steve and Lisa Waghorn



Phre

Thank you for this message. I needed to be reminded to step out in faith. God is good all the time, all the time God is ...

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Thank you for this message. I needed to be reminded to step out in faith. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

He’s never forsaken me.



Catherine Laiacone

I really enjoy as you put it “practical teaching’. It is great to read the bible, but it is really amazing ...

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I really enjoy as you put it “practical teaching’. It is great to read the bible, but it is really amazing when it can teach us how to deal with what is happening in our lives today. I am able to apply your teachings to my life and look for ways that I can become more obedient to God understanding that there He offers joy, love and hope!



Rose zwetsch

Loved it, thank you for always uplifting me. God bless you and keep you and your family safe.

Loved it, thank you for always uplifting me. God bless you and keep you and your family safe.



Tena Janiak

What a beautiful message. It’s exactly what I needed. You answered my prayer. Thank you

What a beautiful message. It’s exactly what I needed. You answered my prayer. Thank you