We're on Day 20 of 21 Days of Prayer, and we're about to step out of 21 days of prayer into the great unknown.
But do you have a plan to do so?
In Matthew 14:22-35(NKJV), Jesus had a plan to step out onto the water.
22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.
God expects us to have a plan.
Jesus's plan was to "Pray First".
That's our rally cry.
We will pray first!
23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray (first).
Now when evening came, He was alone there.
Now when evening came, He was alone there.
Jesus had a plan, a place, and a time to pray.
What is your strategy for Monday to pray after 21 days of prayer?
Where are you going to be praying?
24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
Remember that we're in a relationship with a God who is never caught off guard.
We have a way maker who takes us over and through the difficulties of life.
Why wouldn't we pray first?
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.
We pause,
Pray First,
and Ask?
Lord, what would you have for me to do in this situation?
26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
We pause,
Pray First,
and Ask?
Lord, what would you have for me to pray in this difficulty?
The alternative is to fear!
Ask Lord, what is your will in these circumstances,
and how would you have me to navigate them?
Lord, how do you see this situation?
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer!It is I; do not be afraid.”
Jesus can be depended upon when we cry out to Him into the darkness for understanding and ask.
He answers don't be afraid.
I am the answer.
I'm here too!
28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
Ask Jesus what are you trying to teach me in this, and what is my next step?
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
There is an opportunity to walk into what is to become. Jesus speaks to us saying take courage. Step out into the great unknown.
30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
Take your mind off your problem, and place your mind only on the faithfulness of your God.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Make a decision.
Choose to believe that God is faithful, trustworthy, does exactly what He says he will do.
Refuse to think about circumstances.
Refuse to doubt God any longer.
Keep refusing.
This decision stops the wavering.
This decision stops the doubt.
This decision stops the fear!
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
If you don't know what to do, stand upon what you do know what to do.
Stand upon the promises of He who is faithful.
33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
Jesus prepared to walk on water in prayer.
Jesus had a plan, a place, and a time to pray.
Do you have an accountability partner to hold you accountable for prayer?
Notes taken by Allen Pedram, Church of the Highands, Huntsville Campus in gray.
M.H. Dennis comments in blue.
Charles Stanley comments in green.
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