The message was brought by Rev. Tim Powers on Sept 27, 2026.
I’m thankful Jesus is with us in trouble. Jesus wants us out in the world to represent Him. It’s a hostile world; the waves are against us. That makes it hard to shine and show people Jesus. In the real world, it is hard.
Matthew 14:22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
In this scripture a storm was coming for the disciples, but Jesus still went to spend time with the Father. When we look at verse 24, we see the wound was contrary. The Bible doesn’t say there was a storm. The wind was the problem. Seas get rough at times, even when there is no storm brewing. Even without rain seas can be tossed purely by wind. Sometimes going against the grain of the world puts us against the wind. Sometimes life doesn’t go the way we want. Even for the saved, bad things happen. The devil is after us. The “wind” is against us.
Jesus told the disciples to go to the other side. He wasn’t physically with them. They were fishermen used to rough seas, but this one scared them. One of them saw something. Someone was on the water. One by one each saw it, thinking it was a spirit. We all know the world can be scary. It tries to pull us from the Lord. But the truth stands. Jesus was walking on the water to be with His disciples. He’s always with us. We cannot walk on water. JESUS DID! In the midst of trouble, Jesus is always there with us. No matter who or what is against us, Jesus is with us. He came to us. He is with us all the time. Rowing against the wind? Trouble and trials? Jesus is there. What did Jesus say to them? Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. We need not be afraid.
No one but Peter put a foot in the water and started out of the boat. He did and walked on water. Looking at Jesus, he kept walking. The others were amazed. Peter had the faith we need to keep on going because we know God is there. We’re human. Peter was. We may have done exactly what Peter did. He started looking around at the environment instead of keeping his eyes on Jesus. And he began to sink. Who was there to grab him? Jesus! We get distracted. We start to sink. Peter didn’t pray an eloquent, five-minute prayer. He simply said Lord, save me. Jesus reached down and did just that.
Things happen, and sometimes nothing makes us feel better. We don’t know what to do to help others. Just being there is sometimes enough. We don’t have the power to do anything, but we know ONE who does. Jesus will help us; He’s the only One who can help any of us and bring peace in a wind-tossed world. The world is how it is because of sin. We have things against us. We’re not perfect by any means. The wind pushes against us, but we have a God!
Jesus left praying to help the disciples. He intercedes to the Father for us. He’s with us on the troubled seas of life. Look for Him. Step out in faith and go to the other side. Keep your eyes on Him. If you get distracted, He is just a step away to lift you up. Put on blinders to focus on Him. The distractions are there, but it’s always best to keep your eyes on Jesus. In Him is the joy, peace and comfort we need. If we follow Him, if we try to be like Him., we can be like Peter. Step out. Follow Jesus. Continue walking no matter what happens. Jesus is with you!
