Sermon Resources

Destroying the Fear Factor: Walking With Jesus Through Life's Storms

Matthew 14:22-33 · Christian Washington

Sermon Summary

This sermon explores the account of Jesus and Peter walking on water and emphasizes that discipleship requires moving beyond fear into faith-filled action. Christian Washington challenges the congregation to recognize that walking with Jesus-not merely walking toward Him-changes both our perspective and our ability to navigate life's storms.

The message highlights the way repeated trials can become opportunities for spiritual growth. Fear can keep us from beginning what God calls us to do, or cause us to stop before the work is finished. Peter's step out of the boat becomes a model for active discipleship: focus on Jesus, ignore the noise of doubt and criticism, and keep moving forward.

Even when Peter begins to sink, the story is not one of final failure. God's grace catches him. The sermon therefore calls believers to leave the safety of the boat, resist panic, ask for help when needed, and trust that Jesus walks with us through every circumstance.

"We are significant because God says so, and we were created to do significant things."

Key Points

  • God tests our faith by allowing similar situations to recur until we learn to trust Him completely.
  • Fear can paralyze us and keep us from starting-or finishing-what God calls us to do.
  • Walking on water requires three things: keeping our eyes on Jesus, ignoring the "winds and waves" of doubt and criticism, and continuing to move forward.
  • When we begin to sink, we must call out for help from someone who can truly help and reach up to give Jesus something to work with.
  • Walking toward Jesus is different from walking with Jesus. When Jesus is with us, our entire perspective changes.
  • We give Jesus something to work with through our time, talent, and treasure.
  • Three action steps: Don't wait. Don't stop. Don't panic.
  • We are significant because God says so, and we were created to do significant things.

Scripture References

  • Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus walks on the water; Peter steps out of the boat and begins to sink.
  • Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus calms the storm while in the boat with the disciples.
  • Matthew 14:13-21 - The feeding of the five thousand immediately precedes the walking-on-water account.

Stories & Illustrations

  • Peter steps out of the boat, walks toward Jesus, then begins to sink when he notices the wind and waves.
  • The earlier storm in Matthew 8 is used as a prior "test" of the disciples' faith.
  • Christian humorously identifies himself with the eleven disciples who might have stayed in the boat because of fear and not being a strong swimmer.
  • The sermon dramatizes Peter's walk, sinking, and rescue by Jesus.
  • The "footprints in the sand" image illustrates both walking with Jesus and being carried by Him.
  • Repeated relational patterns-"different dog, same fleas"-illustrate how life lessons can recur until they are learned.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for personal reflection, Sunday school, or small-group discussion.

1. How does the repeated testing of the disciples in Matthew 8 and Matthew 14 reflect the way God tests our faith in similar circumstances? What patterns of testing have you noticed in your own spiritual journey?
2. Peter was the only disciple willing to step out of the boat while the other eleven remained paralyzed by fear. What distinguishes those who take risks in faith from those who stay in their comfort zones?
3. What are the specific "winds and waves" in your life that distract you from staying focused on Jesus?
4. Why do you think the disciples declared, "Surely you are the Son of God," after Jesus calmed the storm and saved Peter, even though they had already witnessed many miracles?
5. How does the distinction between walking toward Jesus and walking with Jesus change the way we approach challenges, ministry, and daily life?
6. Peter called out to someone who could actually help him. When facing difficulties, how do we discern who or what can truly help us?
7. What are you currently offering to God through your time, talent, and treasure? What might you be withholding because of fear or self-protection?
8. Peter started to sink rather than immediately drowning. How have you experienced God's grace during times when you were failing or doubting?
9. Fear can produce procrastination or self-sabotage. Which pattern do you recognize more strongly in your own life?
10. The disciples were experienced fishermen, yet they were still paralyzed by fear. When does faith require us to move beyond our own expertise and capabilities?

Walking With Jesus: A 5-Day Devotional Journey

Day 1: You Are Significant

Reading: Psalm 139:13-18

Before you take another step today, receive this truth: you are significant because God says so. Your significance is not rooted in achievement, failure, or the opinions of others. It is rooted in God's intentional creation and love.

Reflection: What voices have told you that you're not significant? How does God's truth counter those lies?

Day 2: Getting Out of the Boat

Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Peter did what the other eleven disciples would not do: he got out of the boat. Getting out of the boat means leaving the familiar and trusting Jesus enough to obey even before conditions feel safe.

Reflection: What fear is keeping you in the boat when Jesus is calling you to step out?

Day 3: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3

As long as Peter remained focused on Jesus and kept moving, the storm did not define his progress. The winds and waves will always compete for our attention, but discipleship requires focus.

Reflection: What "winds and waves" are currently distracting you from focusing on Jesus?

Day 4: When You Start to Sink

Reading: Psalm 40:1-3

Peter's sinking did not become his destruction. He cried out, and Jesus reached for him. Faith is not pretending we never struggle; faith is knowing where to turn when we do.

Reflection: What area of your life do you need to stop handling alone and ask Jesus for help?

Day 5: Walking With Jesus, Not Just Toward Him

Reading: John 15:1-5

The most powerful part of Peter's story may be the walk back to the boat. He was no longer merely moving toward Jesus; he was walking with Jesus. That difference changes everything.

Reflection: How would your current situation look different if you truly believed Jesus was walking with you through it?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to know our significance in You, to get out of our boats of comfort, to keep our eyes fixed on You despite the storms, to call out for help when we start to sink, and to walk confidently knowing You are with us every step. Walk with us, Lord. Walk with us. Amen.

Small Group Guide: Destroying the Fear Factor

Based on Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus Walks on Water

Opening Prayer

Pray together, asking God to help the group walk with Jesus through whatever storms they are facing and to give each person courage to step out of the boat.

Icebreaker: Affirmation Exercise

Say together:

  • "I am significant because God says so."
  • "I am significant and I was created to do significant things."

Then invite each person to share one area where they need to remember their significance this week.

Sermon Recap

Christian Washington focused on Peter's decision to get out of the boat and emphasized three key actions:

Don't Wait

Get out of the boat.

Don't Stop

Keep moving forward.

Don't Panic

Ask for help when you need it.

Discussion & Application

  1. Why might God allow us to face similar challenges more than once?
  2. What held the eleven disciples back, and what moved Peter to step out?
  3. What "storm" are you currently facing?
  4. What fears are keeping you from starting, finishing, or risking something God is calling you to do?
  5. How does walking with Jesus change your perspective?
  6. What is one specific area where God may be calling you to "get out of the boat"?
  7. Where do you need to ask for help?
  8. How are you currently giving Jesus your time, talent, and treasure?

Water Walking 101

  1. Stay focused on the destination - keep your eyes on Jesus.
  2. Ignore the noise - refuse to let negative voices control your direction.
  3. Keep moving forward - don't stop.

When You Start to Sink

  1. Call out for help - don't let pride stop you.
  2. Reach up - give Jesus something to work with.
  3. Remember that failure does not mean God's mission is finished.

This Week's Challenge

Choose one:

  • Don't Wait: Take the first step on something you've been postponing.
  • Don't Stop: Continue something you've already begun but have been tempted to abandon.
  • Don't Panic: Identify one place where you need help and ask for it.

The Boat Inventory

  1. What is my "boat"-what feels safe but may be holding me back?
  2. What are the "winds and waves" trying to distract me?
  3. Where is Jesus in my storm right now?
  4. What would it look like to take one step out of my boat this week?
Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, we want to walk with You. Help us to get out of our boats, to keep moving forward even when we're afraid, and to call out to You when we start to sink. Remind us that You are not just ahead of us, but with us. We give You our time, our talents, and our treasure. Use us to bring Your gospel to those who need it now. Walk with us, Lord. Walk with us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For Next Week

  • Read Matthew 8:23-27 and compare it with Matthew 14:22-33.
  • Journal about one moment when you sensed Jesus walking with you.
  • Be prepared to share how your "don't wait, don't stop, don't panic" commitment went.

Additional Resources

Songs for Reflection

  • "Walk With Me" - traditional hymn
  • "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" - Hillsong United
  • "Fear Is a Liar" - Zach Williams

Further Study

  • Explore other "sozo" moments in Scripture: Luke 8:48, Mark 10:52, Acts 2:21.
  • Study other moments when disciples were called to step out in faith despite fear.
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