INTRODUCTION: Jesus had just finished his miraculous feeding of 5,000 men. He wanted to stay behind for awhile to pray. But he decided to send his disciples ahead over the Sea of Galilee to the other shore. During the night a storm came up upon the sea. The disciples were fighting for their lives. They were out there in the middle of the Sea of Galilee without the master helpless.

How many times do we feel helpless, ready to drown in a sea of troubles and cares. We need Jesus to come to us, "on the sea."

BODY

I. JESUS CAME TO THEM.

A. It was just when they needed him.

1. They were fearful
2. The waves tossing, the appearance of Jesus, scarred them.

B. Jesus comes to us in the midst of troubled waters.

1. Job 14:1- ""Man who is born of woman Is of few days and full of trouble."
2. Matthew 11:28-30- ""Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. {29} "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. {30} "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."" 
3. Jesus wants us to cast our cares upon him.

a. 1 Peter 5:7- "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

II. BY FAITH PETER DID THE IMPOSSIBLE - HE "WALKED ON THE WATER" (VV. 29).

A. He stepped out on faith.

1. He disregarded the waves and winds, keeping his eyes on Jesus.

2. Philippians 4:13- "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

3. Matthew 17:20- "So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing
will be impossible for you."

4. 1 John 5:4- "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith."

B. God wants us to step out on faith to do His will.

1. Hebrews 11:6- "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

2. 2 Corinthians 5:7- "For we walk by faith, not by sight."

III. BUT THEN PETER'S FAITH WAVERED.

A. He took his eyes off Jesus.

1. Matthew 14:30- "But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!""
2. He began to have doubts, the enemy of faith.

B. We should have Paul's attitude.

1. Romans 8:31- "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

IV. PETER BEGAN TO SINK.

A. We can be overcome too.

1. 2 Peter 2:20- "For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than
the beginning."

B. But God promises to help us overcome the world.

1. 1 John 5:4-5- "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith. {5} Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

2. Philippians 4:13- "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

3. 1 Corinthians 10:13- "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

V. FINALLY, PETER DID THE RIGHT THING- HE CRIED OUT TO JESUS.

A. He recognized his need for God.

1. Luke 18:13- ""And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!'"

2. Psalms 69:1-2- "Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. {2} I sink in deep mire, Where there is no standing; I have come into deep waters, Where the floods overflow me."

B. Peter's failing was only temporary.

1. All fail at one time or another.

2. 2 Corinthians 12:9- "And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon
me."

C. Peter had to appeal for help. 

1. We must open the door to Jesus.

a. Revelation 3:20- ""Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."

2. God offers forgiveness if we will turn to Jesus.

a. For those outside of Christ.

I. Ephesians 1:7- "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace"

b. For erring Christians

I. 1 John 1:9- "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

CONCLUSION: A young man was snorkeling La Jolla Cove, a broad, shallow cove with a very narrow inlet, with a college buddy. Because the cove is protected, it is virtually always calm, the waters are always placid, and even inexperienced swimmers are safe there. When the tide is out a small rock, just big enough for three or four people, juts up out of the middle of the cove. 

He had just bought new fins, mask and snorkel and wanted to try them out before going out to the open water. So he grabbed his friend and headed for the beach. Having adjusted the straps on their fins and getting the snorkel keeper in the right place, they paddled around the water for an hour or more. We had a great time looking at the fish, the formations and the aquatic plants. Eventually they found ourselves out in the middle of the Cove and decided to climb up on the rock to rest for a while.

After clambering up on the rock they removed their fins, masks and snorkels and laid them beside them. The sun felt good, the ocean sounds were relaxing and everything seemed just great--what more could a couple of college guys ask?

Then suddenly, unexpectedly a large swell pushed its way into the neck of the cove, rolled its way across and unceremoniously tossed them and their brand new equipment into the water. They never did find their gear; for all
they know it's still resting at the bottom of La Jolla Cove some twenty years later.

That's how it is when we think that we're secure on any rock other than Jesus Christ. A little squall, a little swell and you're swept off along with everything else. But anchor yourself to the Rock and you'll be secure forever!

Copyright 1999 by Grady Scott may be reproducted for non-commercial purposes at no cost to others.