Lancaster United Methodist Church - Sermon Resources

"Destroying the Fear Factor: Walking With Jesus Through Life's Storms "
Matthew 14:22-33

Sermon Resources

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

Sermon Summary:
This sermon explores the account of Jesus and Peter walking on water, emphasizing that discipleship requires moving beyond fear into faith-filled action. Pastor Christian Washington challenges the congregation to recognize that walking with Jesus—not merely toward Him—transforms our perspective and ability to navigate life's storms. The message highlights that God tests our faith through repeated trials to help us grow, and that even when we begin to sink, God's grace catches us. The sermon calls believers to step out of their comfort zones, stay focused on Jesus despite the "noise" of doubt and criticism, and recognize that we are significant because God says so. Ultimately, it's a call to active discipleship that requires getting out of the boat, not stopping when challenges arise, and trusting that Jesus walks with us through every circumstance.

Key Points:

God tests our faith by allowing similar situations to recur until we learn to trust Him completely
Fear paralyzes us and prevents us from starting or finishing what God calls us to do
Walking on water requires three things: keeping eyes focused on Jesus, ignoring the "winds and waves" (doubt, criticism, impossibility), and continuing to move forward
When we begin to sink, we must: (1) call out for help from someone who can actually help, and (2) 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 (get out of the boat), Don't stop (persist in obedience), Don't panic (ask for help when struggling)
We are significant because God says so, and we were created to do significant things

Scripture Reference:
Matthew 14:22-33 (Jesus walks on water; Peter walks on water and begins to sink)
Matthew 8 (Jesus calms the storm while in the boat with the disciples)
Reference to feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21, immediately preceding the walking on water account)

Stories:
The account of Jesus walking on water and Peter stepping out of the boat to walk toward Jesus, then beginning to sink when he noticed the wind and waves
The earlier storm in Matthew 8 where Jesus was in the boat with the disciples and calmed the storm, establishing this as a "test" to see if the disciples learned from the first experience
Personal illustration of the speaker being "one of the 11" who would stay in the boat due to fear and not being a strong swimmer
The dramatic re-enactment during the sermon of Peter walking on water, beginning to sink, and being caught by Jesus
Reference to the footprints in the sand parable—sometimes two sets of footprints (walking with Jesus), sometimes one (Jesus carrying us)
Implicit references to dating relationships that repeat patterns ("different dog, same fleas") as an illustration of repeated tests in life

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Discussion Questions

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?

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?

The sermon emphasizes staying focused on Jesus rather than the winds and waves around us. What are the specific 'winds and waves' or 'haters' in your life that distract you from your spiritual destination?

Why do you think the disciples only declared 'Surely you are the Son of God' after witnessing Jesus calm the storm and save Peter, despite having seen many previous miracles? What does this reveal about human nature and recognition of God's presence?

The sermon distinguishes between walking toward Jesus and walking with Jesus. How does this distinction change the way we approach challenges, ministry, and daily life?

Peter called out for help from someone who could actually help, rather than turning to his fellow disciples. When facing difficulties, how do we discern who or what can truly help us versus who cannot?

The concept of giving Jesus something to work with through our time, talent, and treasure was emphasized. What are you currently offering to God, and what might you be withholding out of fear or self-protection?

The sermon mentions that Peter started to sink rather than immediately drowning, suggesting God's grace even in our failures. How have you experienced God's protection or slowdown during times when you were failing or doubting?

Fear is described as causing either procrastination or self-sabotage. Which pattern do you recognize more in your own life, and what spiritual practices might help you overcome this fear factor?

The disciples were experienced fishermen yet still paralyzed by fear in the storm. How does expertise or experience in one area sometimes fail us spiritually, and when do we need to rely more fully on faith than on our own capabilities?

Walking With Jesus: A 5-Day Devotional Journey
Day 1: You Are Significant
Reading: Psalm 139:13-18
Devotional: Before you take another step today, pause and receive this truth: you are significant because God says so. The Psalmist declares that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, known intimately by your Creator. This isn't an empty affirmation—it's divine reality. God doesn't just see you; He loves you and actually likes you. Your significance isn't based on your accomplishments, your failures, or others' opinions. It's rooted in God's intentional creation of you. Today, look in the mirror and declare: "I am significant because God says so. I am significant and I was created to do significant things." Let this truth anchor you before the storms come.
Reflection Question: 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
Devotional: Peter did something the other eleven disciples couldn't—he got out of the boat. While fear paralyzed the others, Peter chose to risk everything for the possibility of walking with Jesus. Getting out of the boat means leaving your comfort zone, your safety nets, your familiar patterns. It means trusting that Jesus wouldn't call you to something that would ultimately destroy you. What boat is God calling you to leave? Perhaps it's a comfortable job, a toxic relationship, or simply the paralysis of procrastination. Don't wait for perfect conditions. Don't wait until you're not afraid. The miracle happens when you step out despite the storm. Jesus is saying, "Come." Will you get out of the boat?
Reflection Question: What fear is keeping you in the boat when Jesus is calling you to walk on water?

Day 3: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3
Devotional: Peter's water-walking lesson teaches us this: as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, ignored the winds and waves, and kept moving forward, he did not sink. The moment he noticed the storm—the impossibility, the critics, the circumstances—he began to fall. The writer of Hebrews calls this "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." The noise around you will always be loud: "You're too old, too young, too inexperienced, not qualified, not worthy." These are the winds and waves designed to distract you from your destination. Walking with Jesus requires tunnel vision—focused solely on Him while the storm rages. The haters will always hate. The circumstances will often look impossible. Keep your eyes on Jesus and keep moving forward.
Reflection Question: What "winds and waves" are currently distracting you from focusing on Jesus?

Day 4: When You Start to Sink
Reading: Psalm 40:1-3
Devotional: Here's the beautiful truth: when you're on mission with God, even your sinking isn't meant to destroy you. Peter "started to sink"—not immediately drowned. God's grace gives you time to respond. When you find yourself going under, do what Peter did: ask for help from someone who can actually help, and give Jesus something to work with. Pride says, "I've got this." Faith says, "Help me, Jesus!" Don't wait until you're completely submerged to cry out. And when you reach up, Jesus immediately reaches down. Notice Peter didn't have to swim to shore on his own strength. Jesus pulled him up and they walked back together. Your failures aren't fatal when you're walking with Jesus. Call out "Sozo!"—save me, help me, heal me. Then reach up and give Jesus your hand.
Reflection Question: What area of your life do you need to stop trying to handle alone and ask Jesus for help?

Day 5: Walking With Jesus, Not Just Toward Him
Reading: John 15:1-5
Devotional: The most overlooked part of Peter's story is the walk back to the boat. After Jesus pulled him up, they walked together across the water—and there's no record of anyone sinking. Walking with Jesus is profoundly different from walking toward Jesus. When Christ is beside you, the same storm that terrified you becomes manageable. The gospel isn't just something "out there" to reach for; it's Emmanuel—God with us. This changes everything. You're not carrying the weight alone. You're not navigating the storm by yourself. Jesus, who calms winds and waves, walks with you. Sometimes you'll see two sets of footprints; sometimes only one—because He's carrying you. This is how we destroy the fear factor: not by eliminating storms, but by recognizing who walks with us through them.
Reflection Question: How would your current situation look different if you truly believed Jesus was walking with you through it, not just waiting on the other side?
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.

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Small Group Guide: "The Road to Emmaus - A Pilgrim's Journey"
Based on the sermon from Luke 24:13-35

Opening Prayer
Begin your group time with prayer, asking God to open your hearts and minds to what He wants to teach you through this study.
Icebreaker (5-10 minutes)

Question: Share about a memorable trip you've taken. Were you more of a "tourist" or a "traveler"? What made the journey meaningful beyond just the destination?

Key Scripture
Read Luke 24:13-35 together as a group.

Discussion Questions
Understanding the Text (15-20 minutes)

The Journey Context: The two disciples were walking away from Jerusalem after witnessing traumatic events. When have you felt like "walking away" from your faith or a difficult situation? What emotions were you experiencing?

Unrecognized Presence: Why do you think Cleopas and his companion didn't recognize Jesus walking with them? What might have prevented them from seeing Him?

The Burning Heart: The disciples said, "Were not our hearts burning within us?" They only recognized this feeling in retrospect. Can you think of a time when you later realized God was present in a moment, even though you didn't recognize it at the time?

Going Deeper (20-25 minutes)

Tourist vs. Traveler vs. Pilgrim: The sermon distinguished between being a tourist (looking at stuff), a traveler (seeking what's real), and a pilgrim (on a spiritual journey). Which of these best describes your current spiritual life? Where would you like to be?

The Breaking of Bread: It was in the ordinary act of breaking bread that the disciples' eyes were opened. Why do you think Jesus chose such a simple, everyday moment for this revelation? What does this teach us about where we might encounter God?

Jesus "Feigning Ignorance": Jesus asked questions and listened to the disciples' story before teaching them. What does this tell us about how God relates to us in our confusion and grief?

Low-Key Encounters: The sermon noted that Jesus' resurrection appearances were "low-key personal encounters" rather than flashy displays of power. Why do you think God often works this way? How does this challenge our expectations?

Personal Application (15-20 minutes)

Paying Attention: The disciples had to learn to "pay attention to what God was doing among them." What practices help you pay attention to God's presence in your daily life? What distracts you?

Walking and Talking: The disciples processed their confusion by walking and talking together. Who is your "walking companion" in faith—someone you can process life's difficulties with? If you don't have one, how might you find or become one?

Hearts on Fire: John Wesley described his conversion as feeling his "heart strangely warmed." Have you experienced a time when your heart felt "burning" or "on fire" for God? What was happening? If not, what might you be waiting or hoping for?

Key Takeaways
God walks alongside us in our confusion, grief, and doubt—even when we don't recognize His presence
Retrospective recognition is common; we often only realize God was present after the fact
Ordinary moments (like sharing a meal) can become divine encounters
Community and conversation are important for processing our faith journey
The journey matters as much as the destination in our spiritual lives
God's ways are often quiet and personal rather than flashy and public

Practical Applications
Choose one or two of these to commit to this week:

Daily Awareness Prayer: Each evening, reflect on your day and ask, "Where was God present today that I might have missed?"

Walking Prayer: Take a prayer walk this week, inviting God to walk alongside you as you process something you're struggling with.

Breaking Bread: Share a meal with someone this week intentionally—set aside distractions and be present for how God might show up in that ordinary moment.

Scripture Study: As Jesus did with the disciples, trace a theme through Scripture. Pick a topic (hope, God's faithfulness, redemption) and follow it through different books of the Bible.

Heart Check: Journal about moments when your "heart burned within you"—times you felt particularly alive to God's presence. What were the common elements?

Be a Companion: Reach out to someone who might be on their own "road to Emmaus"—walking through confusion or grief—and simply walk alongside them.

Closing Reflection

Read together: "Lord Almighty, I feel my temperature rising. Higher, higher, it's burning through to my soul. Jesus, Jesus, you're going to set me on fire. My heart is flaming. You light my heart afire, burning love."

Closing Question: How do you want God to set your heart on fire this week?

Closing Prayer
Invite group members to pray for one another, specifically asking God to:

Help each person recognize His presence in their daily journey
Open eyes to see Jesus in ordinary moments
Set hearts on fire with love for God and others
Provide companions for the journey

For Next Week

Encourage group members to:
Read Acts 1-2 (the continuation of the Luke 24 passage)
Pay attention to one "burning heart" moment and be ready to share it
Practice one of the applications chosen above

"May we all walk as pilgrims, look for what's real, and experience God's presence among us." - Amen

Small Group Guide: Destroying the Fear Factor
Based on Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus Walks on Water

Opening Prayer
Begin your group time by praying together, asking God to help you walk with Jesus through whatever storms you're facing and to give you courage to step out of the boat.

Ice Breaker
Affirmation Exercise: Start by having each person say together:
"I am significant because God says so."
"I am significant and I was created to do significant things."

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

Sermon Recap
Pastor Christian Washington explored the familiar story of Jesus walking on water, focusing particularly on Peter's experience of actually getting out of the boat. The message 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 Questions
Understanding the Text

The Repeated Test: Pastor Christian pointed out that the disciples faced a similar storm in Matthew 8, but this time Jesus wasn't in the boat with them. Why do you think God allows us to face similar challenges multiple times? What's the purpose of these "tests"?

Eleven vs. One: Eleven disciples stayed in the boat while Peter got out. What do you think held the eleven back? What do you think motivated Peter to step out?

Personal Reflection

Your Storm: What "storm" are you currently facing in your life? What would it look like for you to keep your eyes on Jesus rather than the winds and waves?

The Fear Factor: The sermon identified fear as what keeps us in the boat. What specific fears keep you from:
Starting something you know you need to start?
Finishing something you've already begun?
Taking a risk God is calling you to take?

Walking Toward vs. Walking With: Pastor Christian emphasized the difference between walking toward Jesus versus walking with Jesus. How does this distinction change your perspective on your current challenges?

Application and Action
Getting Out of the Boat: What is one specific area where God might be calling you to "get out of the boat" right now? What's holding you back?

Asking for Help: Peter called out "Help me, Jesus!" (Sozo). The sermon emphasized asking for help from someone who can actually help.
Are there areas where you need to ask for help but haven't?
Who in your life can actually help you with what you're facing?

Giving Jesus Something to Work With: Peter reached up his hand, giving Jesus something to work with. How are you currently giving Jesus your:
Time?
Talent?
Treasure?

Key Takeaways
Water Walking 101:
Stay focused on the destination (Keep your eyes on Jesus)
Ignore the noise (Don't listen to the haters or negative voices)
Keep moving forward (Don't stop)

When You Start to Sink:
Call out for help - Don't let pride stop you
Reach up - Give Jesus something to work with
Remember: Even when we miss it, God's mission won't kill us

The Power of Walking WITH Jesus:
When Jesus is with you, the one who calms storms walks alongside you
This changes everything about how we face our fears
We carry the gospel with us, not just toward it

Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge:
Choose ONE of the following to practice this week:

Option 1: Don't Wait
Identify one thing you've been procrastinating on that you know God is calling you to do
Take the first step this week, no matter how small
Share your commitment with one person in the group for accountability

Option 2: Don't Stop
Continue something you've already started but have been tempted to quit
If you invited someone to church and they didn't come, invite them again
If you've been serving, commit to serving one more time this month

Option 3: Don't Panic
Identify one area where you need help
This week, actually ask for that help from someone who can provide it
Practice saying "Sozo" (Help me, Jesus) in your prayer time daily

Group Accountability:
Exchange contact information with at least one other group member
Text each other mid-week to check in on your commitment
Celebrate progress, not perfection

Reflection Exercise
The Boat Inventory:
Take 5 minutes of quiet time for each person to journal or reflect on:
What is my "boat"? (What feels safe but might be holding me back?)
What are the "winds and waves" trying to distract me? (List the negative voices or fears)
Where is Jesus in my storm right now?
What would it look like to take one step out of my boat this week?
Share responses as you feel comfortable.

Closing Activity
Prayer Partners:
Pair up and share one specific area where you need to "walk on water" this week. Pray for each other, specifically asking:
For courage to get out of the boat
For focus to keep eyes on Jesus
For humility to ask for help when needed
For the faith to remember that Jesus walks WITH us

Closing Prayer
Close with this prayer together:
"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 (the first storm story) and compare it to Matthew 14:22-33
Journal about one moment this week when you felt 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)" by Hillsong United
"Fear Is a Liar" by Zach Williams

Further Study:
Look up other "Sozo" moments in Scripture (Luke 8:48, Mark 10:52, Acts 2:21)
Study other moments when disciples had to step out in faith despite fear