Walk on Water (Matthew 14:22-33)

“But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. [ego eimi {Gk}] Don’t be afraid.'” “'Come,' he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus” (Mt 14:27, 29).

1. Do you intentionally create space for solitude and prayer in your daily schedule (Mt 14:22-23; 1 Th 5:17)?
• Are you more likely to pray before a crisis or when you’re already in one?
• Do you find strength in your own determined efforts or in communion with God (Jn 14:1; Mk 11:22)?
2. When facing personal storms where do you fix and focus your gaze? On your circumstances (Mt 14:25-26; 8:24-25) or on God (Mt 14:27; Heb 12:2)?
• Should your ideal Christian life include "no storms" (2 Tim 3:12; 1 Pet 4:12)? Why (Mt 10:24-25; Jn 15:18-20)?
• Who is Jesus (Mt 14:25, 27)? What does this mean (Gen 1:2; Exo 3:14; Dt 31:6, 8; Isa 41:10; 1 Jn 4:18)?
3. What is the difference between initial faith and sustained trust (Mt 14:28-30)?
• When you cry out to God for help (Mt 14:30), do you believe He hears you and will respond?
• How can you keep your eyes on Jesus when the winds feel overwhelmingn (1 Pet 5:8)?
4. What do doubts weaken your trust in God (Mt 14:31; Jas 1:6-8)?
• Do you doubt His power (Mk 11:23)? His goodness (Ps 136:1)? His willingness to intervene (Mk 9:22)?
5. Through this storm, what did the disciples realize about Jesus (Mt 14:32-33)?
• Can you experience who Jesus truly is without facing an impossible crisis?