KEEP FOCUSED ON THE PROMISE

There is a record in Matthew about Jesus and Peter walking on water. I am going to delve into
this record to more fully explain to you the principle of believing.
Matthew 14:22-33 (KJV)
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.
Constrained means to compel. The conversation would have gone something like this; “Ok guys
I want you to get on this ship.”
“No Jesus, we want to stay here with you.
“Thanks, but, I would rather you get on the ship. I’ll catch up to you later.”
“Jesus, we don’t want to leave you.”
“I understand, but, I need you on that ship.”
Are you sure?”
“Yes, quite sure. Now get on the ship before it leaves.”
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.
The fourth watch is between 3:00 am and 6:00 am.
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.
The word “spirit” is the word phantom or what we today would call a ghost. That’s why they
cried out in fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
This is always what God. His angels and His son say “be not afraid.”
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
Can you get the mind picture of this? It is dark and the waves are so big they are breaking over
the bow. The wind is howling and ship is being tossed around like a cork in a kiddy pool. That is
worrisome enough, but, then they see what they think is a boogey man, an evil spirit.
This is like a movie where everything is going wrong until a turning point where everything
turns around and works out for the good. And so it does.It turns out to be Jesus Christ. In his relief and excitement Peter calls out “Hey if it really is you,
Jesus, let me come out with you. Wow, look at the boldness of Peter! The rest of the disciples are
still trying to clam down and catch their breath, but not Peter.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water,
to go to Jesus.
When is the last time you got down out of a ship planning to walk on water? Well, it was Peter’s
first time as well. But HOW did he do it? He received the promise and he believed that promise
and literally walked on it. This is the key to deliverance! he got the promise, he believed the
promise and he followed the instructions! This is like this throughout the whole Bible. This is the
key for anyone who wants deliverance.
How many promises are in the Bible? Over nine hundred. There is one waiting for you.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying,
Lord, save me.
Have you ever seen anyone begin to sink? Nope, neither have I. When I see people’s feet hit the
water there is no beginning it is just one swift action of kerplunk as their whole body sinks in a
moment of time. So, what was different here and why did Peter not stay on top of the water? One
simple reason. He took his eyes off of Jesus and instead of keeping his eyes on the master and his
promise Peter looked at the circumstances. He still had the promise, but, it was overshadowed in
his mind by the circumstances.
The wind said he shouldn’t be there. The waves were licking at his feet as the ocean was trying
to swallow him. The darkness was pressing in on him and none of that mattered as long as he
kept his eyes on Jesus and on the promise and instruction to “come.”
When you want deliverance you cannot look at the circumstances. You have to keep your eyes
on the promise.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of
little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son
of God.