Fear may be a real emotion, but it is not God’s design for His children.

OPENING SCRIPTURE:

For GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF FEAR, but of POWER and of LOVE and of a SOUND MIND. (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJ)

• Power to face what seems impossible.
• Love to overcome insecurity and isolation.
• A sound mind to think clearly instead of reacting in panic.

Faith declares that God’s presence is real.

“FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH YOU; Be not dismayed, for I AM YOUR GOD. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NKJ)

• I am with you” – Speaks of His presence; “I am your God” – Speaks of His relationship

#1: Faith Keeps Its Eyes on Jesus

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“COME,” he said. (Matthew 14:27-29 NIV)

Jesus responded with only one word: “Come”

One word from Jesus was enough. Why?

The power was never in Peter’s feet – it was in Jesus’ voice.

• One word carried all the authority that Peter needed to step out unto the water.

The miracle was not in Peter’s ability; it was in Jesus’ invitation.

• The invitation created a possibility for the impossible

When fear comes, all we need is one word, one invitation from Jesus to simply step out of that boat.

That one-word invitation is so powerful.

• The invitation was not about the miracle. The invitation was about relationship with Jesus.
• Peter was not walking toward water, he was walking towards Jesus.

Don’t be so focused on the miracle that you miss the Savior.

• The greatest blessing is not the miracle, but getting closer to Jesus.

Faith is never about pursuing spectacular experiences. Faith is always about pursuing Christ.

Faith always requires a response. Peter had to respond to the invitation.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. (Matthew 14:29 NIV)

• He stepped onto the water because he trusted the One who called him.

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”. (Matthew 14:30 NIV)

• Peter sank because when his attention shifted from the Savior to the storm

When fear knocks, faith answers and says keep looking at Jesus.

LOOKING UNTO JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith, (Hebrews 12:2 NKJ)

#2: Faith Speaks God’s Promises Over Fear

Who is THIS UNCIRCUMCISED PHILISTINE that he should defy the armies of THE LIVING GOD? (1 Samuel 17:26 NIV)

• For 40 days trained soldiers rehearsed their fear by sizing themselves against Goliath
• But then came David, a shepherd who sized up this giant against his God.
• On one side, you have THIS UNCIRCUMCISED PHILISTINE and on the other side, you have THE LIVING GOD

Fear rehearses problems. Faith rehearses God’s faithfulness.

It is written: “I BELIEVED; THEREFORE I HAVE SPOKEN.” (2 Corinthians 4:13 NIV)

#3: Perfect Love Drives Out Fear

There is no fear in love; but PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR (1 John 4:18 NKJ)

• God’s perfect love does not negotiate with fear – it expels it.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:1-4 NIV)

His confidence was not the absence of fear but in the presence of God, our shepherd.

CONCLUSION

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?