“Walking on Water…It Beats Drowning”

1. FOCUS (vs. 26, 30)
   1. Whatever we focus on, we tend to create.
   2. Perception becomes reality. Disciples saw Jesus walking on the water; were terrified and said, “It’s a ghost.” v. 26
2. FEAR (vs. 24, 25, 26, 30)
   1. Every negative emotion originates in fear.
   2. The Church in Transition
      1. Stress factors:
         • Death
         • Divorce
         • Change
      2. Time for grieving? What is it?
         • Shock
         • Denial
         • Bargaining
         • Anger
         • Depression
         • Resolution
3. FAITH (vs. 27, 29)
   1. Every positive emotion originates from love.
      1. v. 27. “Take courage. I AM!”
         • Omniscient (all knowing) = all the insight one needs.
         • Omnipotent (all power) = all the miracle one needs.
         • Omnipresent (all present) = all the security one needs.
      2. v. 29. “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and walked on water.
         • Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
      3. Faith always rests upon an object.
         • Psychology tells us there are only two reactions to a fear: fight or flight.
         • There is always a third: Faith that transcends the problem.
           v. 31 “Instantly, Jesus reached out and caught and held him.”
         • v. 34. Result: the wind ceased.
   2. Faith worships. v. 33 “You are the Son of God.”

Walking on water beats drowning!