PEACE - Champions by the Fruit of the SpiritSample

Peace vs. Fear

Bible story: Peter walks on water "Matthew 14:22-33"

Theme Verse: Matthew17:20-21

When we become Christians, we are giving our lives to God. We are no longer our own bosses, but try to follow God with our hearts and actions. It is a wonderful way to live; however, it can be a little scary. God does not just ask us to do things that we know how to do. He also asks us to do things that are impossible for us to do.

In today's Bible story, the disciples were in a boat, out at sea. A large storm arose, but they were too far from land to turn back. They became afraid for their lives. Jesus came to them, walking on the water!

This terrified them even more, but Jesus told them to take courage and not be afraid.

By this point, they have faced their fears multiple times, but now it gets much harder. Peter actually asks Jesus to tell him to go out on the water! Jesus responds with a simple answer, "come."

Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water!

This is the amazing part because Peter was a normal man, but he found himself doing something completely impossible.

This is going to happen with all followers of Jesus. We might not walk on water, but there will be times when we find ourselves doing impossible things. In fact, if you only do things that are possible, you might be working in your own strength! However, Jesus wants us to work and live in HIS strength. One way to know that you are using the strength of God and not your own is to do something that you know would be impossible for you to do!

This is like walking on water.

Are there students in school where speaking to them about God feels impossible to you? Is there something you could do for your parents that seems impossible to you now? What is it that God is putting on your heart to do? Ask Jesus if you can "go to Him out on the water." If He says, "Come," start walking into the impossible. You will see God do miracles in your own daily life.

This is not easy. After he walked on water, Peter became afraid of the waves, took his eyes off Jesus, and began to sink. This can happen to you and me as well. However, have no fear, Jesus took Peter's hand and saved him from drowning. Set aside your fears and take courage. This is the way the Christian life is to be lived: "walking on the water."

Questions:

1. What impossible thing is God asking you to do this week?

2. What about when my parents are unfair?

3. What things make you afraid?

Life Application:

Choose something that feels impossible to do, and set aside your fear. Ask Jesus to help you do it. Then, start taking steps into it. (It is a success for you to start, even if you sink as Peter did. The task is to choose something that feels impossible and try it.)