Title: When Your "if" Still Finds Faith

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33 (CEB)

22 Right then, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side of the lake while he dismissed the crowds. 23 When he sent them away, he went up onto a mountain by himself to pray. Evening came and he was alone. 24 Meanwhile, the boat, fighting a strong headwind, was being battered by the waves and was already far away from land.

25 Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified and said, “It’s a ghost!” They were so frightened they screamed. 27 Just then Jesus spoke to them, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” 28 Peter replied, “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.”

29 And Jesus said, “Come.” Then Peter got out of the boat and was walking on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, “Lord, rescue me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him, saying, “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind settled down.

33 Then those in the boat worshipped Jesus and said, “You must be God’s Son!”

Synopsis: It is amazing how Jesus continues to tolerate us. We doubt, we get scared, we disobey and yet he still continues to reveal himself to us. He still continues to teach us no matter what. "If," shows an uncertain possibility. Even though we should be certain about Jesus and all He does, we still are uncertain. But the blessing is, we can still find faith in the midst of our uncertainty. In other words, we can still find faith in the midst of our "if."

Message Points:

1️⃣ What "if" Jesus had a reason for helping us find our "if?"

2️⃣ What "if" we called on Jesus every time?

3️⃣ If we find our "if," we find our faith.

4️⃣ Our "if" helps others find their faith