August 14, 2022

Times of Trial

Preacher:
Passage: Matthew 14:13-33
Service Type:

Introduction

Looking at Matt 14:22-33
Reading v27  “take courage, it is I, don’t be afraid”

This was a mighty miracle performed by Jesus Christ

His miracles reveal who He really is – examples
His miracles revealed His power and love to His disciples

Leading to the great question – “who do you say that I am” and Peter responds “the Christ, the son of the God”

He is training His disciples

The disciples were His eyewitnesses
The Lord prepares us in all His dealings with us

Five principles

The Christian life has times of trial

A storm on the sea of Galilee

Overview of the situation
A journey of 5 miles to cross the lake/sea of Galilee

Tonight was difficult due to the winds and waves
After 9-10 hours they had only traveled 3-4 miles – they were straining against the oars

Galilee was notorious for winds coming down the hills and sweeping onto the lakes

Ships could quickly get into trouble and sink

Storms can quickly overtake us

Personal example
Life is like this – trials come

The Christian life involves trials

They come quickly and it can be difficult to see the end of them
It is not a sign of disobedience

The disciples were crossing the lake as Jesus had commanded
Things do not always ‘go smoothly if you are in the will of God’

Example of Paul

Very severe trials may come

E.g. those in Missionary Service

During trials the Lord often manifests His power and love

It is not a case of bad things are from the devil and good things are from God
Satan can use these situations – the disciples thought Jesus was a ghost

God often draws near

Example

Jesus drew near to the disciples
We often get to the end of our resources/we reach our limit

Trials often come when we are vulnerable
This occurred with the disciples – explanation
Quote from Commentator
Jesus does not come until after 9-10 hours
Quote from Psalm 93

What ever trial comes/however we might be tested – the Lord is greater

When we go through trials – the Lord Jesus is praying for us

Jesus went up on the hill to pray

We know that during His ministry He had times of prayer with His Father

God knows all things

Example
God watches over us and is mindful of us

We can take great encouragement from the fact He knows our situation

We can pour out our hearts to Him
Quote from Hebrews – He “can save to the uttermost” as “He always live to intercede for us”

Christ prays for us
Christ was praying for the disciples – hence they could keep going in the storm

He has absolute power over the whole creation

Jesus walks on water – this demonstrates that all of creation is under His power and authority

Genesis teaches us we have dominion of creation
Jesus has total control over creation

Example of human advancement

We should not be surprised that Jesus has all authority and power

Trials disorientate us but Jesus tells us not to be afraid

Personal example of being lost
Example – “take courage, it is I, do not be afraid”
Words He speaks to His disciples
As you go through trials today – the Lord is there to help, so you can be courageous and strong

He gives power to people who believe in Him

Peter has faith – he walks on the water

He tells Jesus to bid him come

Personal example – I would never do this

Peter is given insight

If Jesus can walk on water, He can give strength for Peter to do the same

Jesus can help lift us above our trials

Peter is triumphing over the water

Peter has doubts – he begins to sink

Christians are often full of faith and have doubts

So are we

Example of Captain Pugwash

People sink straight away in water

Jesus saves Peter immediately (v31)

He says that Peter has little (not no) faith
He encourages Peter to keep on trusting in Him

Personal example of son learning to ride a bike

Jesus wants us to keep on trusting Him
Quote from unknown source

Jesus can give us the strength in the midst of trials not to sink and to overcome

Trials end in worship

Peter and the other disciples declared Jesus the “Son of God”

After we go through trials – we often really praise and worship Him

We can often lose sight of the fact that we need Him
A trial brings this into perspective

Have you known these times?

Do we praise and worship Him as the Son of God

The disciples realised that what Jesus had done – was just for them

No-one else was watching
When we pray to God – we ask Him to help us and for others
God responds in countless ways

God cares for us
He hears our prayers – even if the are weak and feeble

He heard Peter’s prayers

He tells us to “take courage, it is I, don’t be afraid”