Matthew 14- O Thou of Little Faith...

Have you ever wondered what God is doing in your life? Maybe you've been serving God to the best of your ability, and it seems like only bad things are happening? It's probably pretty natural to wonder what God is doing. Look with me at Matthew 14:22-34.

Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship...(verse 22)

So, as we read this passage, notice that Jesus constrained them to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side. They were used to traveling with Jesus, not ahead of him. But the disciples, trusting the Savior, got into the ship and probably thought very little about it. Little did they know, a storm was coming, and it would be a trial to their faith. After a little time passes, things begin getting worse...

The ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves... (verse 24)

Shortly after they leave Jesus on the shore, the clouds begin covering the sky and the wind starts picking up. Before you know it, they are out in the midst of the sea, tossed about with waves. I imagine this storm to be pretty rough! As they begin to fear for their lives, they probably begin to question how they got here. Jesus told them to get on the boat! What was God thinking? Have you ever listened to God and then found yourself in danger, wondering, “What is God thinking?” You may think that God has abandoned you, or that God is upset with you. You may wonder, where is God, is he sleeping? Where is Jesus during all of this?

He went up into the mountains apart to pray... He was there alone. (verse 23)

They had no idea where Jesus had gone, but Jesus didn't forget about them. He knew what was coming. All the mean while, He was praying for them. Are you going through a hard time in your life? Wondering whether or not God has abandoned you? Where is Jesus? Jesus is at the right hand of God, and the Bible says, “he ever liveth to make intercession.” Just as Jesus was praying for his disciples during this storm on the sea, He is now in Heaven making intercessory prayer for us at he right hand of His Father. He knows where you are, and He never left you. Will you trust Him?

Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea... (verse 25)

Jesus is no ordinary man. He's no ordinary prophet. He is the Son of God. He said, “Before Abraham was, I AM...” He is the great I AM. Jehovah. God in the flesh. He is the master of the sea and has control over the elements of this world! He is the Creator of them. This world may never know, Jesus didn't claim to be a great teacher, He claimed to be God. He proved his deity by his miraculous works. When you are going through the storms of life, know that Jesus is there with you. In the right time, He will come to comfort you through them. You must understand that trials will come, and that they have a purpose to exercise your faith! He said, “It is I; be not afraid.” Though the trials will come, there is no reason to fear! Then Peter says, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come down unto thee on the water.” You gotta love Peter! He's essentially saying, “God, if you're really here, do something miraculous!” Peter then stepped down out of the boat and walked on water! He surely puts my faith to shame!

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid (verse 30)

Peter was doing something that no man had ever done before! Yet, when he suddenly realized where he he was, his focus shifted off the Savior unto the winds. As he began to fear, his faith began to weaken, and he called out unto Jesus, “Lord, save me.” Peter realized he could not do it on his own? Peter was in danger of drowining, and unable to save himself, he realized this, and called out unto the Savior. We, my friend, are in danger of drowning in sin. “For all have sinned, and have fallen short of the glory of God.” Have you ever realized that you are a sinner? “For the wages of sin is death.” Because of our sin, we are unable to work our way into heaven, for we are all sinners. What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! Jesus was the long awaited Messiah, God in the flesh, who came to the world He created, and died for our sins. “For without the shedding of blood, there is no remission.” The blood of Jesus Christ is the only thing that can take away our sins. Have you ever called out unto Him, “Lord, save me?” If you have never done that, please trust Him. He has radically changed my life, and I thank God that others cared enough to share the Gospel with me.

“And when they were gone over, they came and worshiped Him, saying, of a truth thou art the Son of God.” (verse 33)

Only God can do the things Jesus had done. Only God can forgive sins. Only God can set the sinner free. Do you know him? He will save you from your sins. He will give you new life? Rest your faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ!

“O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (verse 31)

When God shows that He is right there with you in the midst of your trials, you will begin to wonder, why did you ever question Him in the first place? Oftentimes, we think ourselves strong in the faith... until trials come. Remember, that Jesus never left you. He is at the right hand of God and ever liveth to make intercession for you.