Notes on Problem Solving

On The Damascus Road Answers
Notes On Problem Solving

Matthew 14:22-32
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.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
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.
Three fantastic lessons in that passage to be learned. Remember, the disciples have just witnessed Jesus feeding five thousand men plus women and children with two loaves of bread and five fishes. Remember also, that they had just heard Jesus expound on the way man should live.

1	Jesus will send you out to get to the other side of your troubles, but He never leaves you alone to flounder in those troubles. He uses that sea of troubles on which to come to you, aid you, and to help you through them. Think about it, How would you ever know Jesus was helping you if you never saw Him in your life. Jesus could always be helping you without your knowledge. But, when you face troubles alone first, and then Jesus comes as you ask for the help, you then see Him in all His glory.
2	If you haven't said it, you've heard it said, "I prayed for His help, but I was surprised that everything turned out fine." The word "surprise" is a projection of "doubt" as Peter did. He was distracted by someone in the boat probably calling out, "Look out, there's a boisterous wave coming!" and when Peter was distracted from keeping his eyes on Jesus, he started to sink. So do we when we take our eyes off the only possible help we can rely on, we flounder in our sea of trouble and despair.
3	"...and beginning to sink..." Verse 30. Peter didn't need to die by drowning to realize the drastic condition he found himself in. All he needed to do was feel the water come above the sole of his sandels to realize the desperateness of his position. Jesus had said, "come" and he stepped down out of the boat and walked to Him. Momentarily he took his eyes off of what he was out of the boat to do, and doubted his faith in the one who told him to "come." Maybe it was the realization that he was doing the impossible. This surprised him to the point that "I can't do this," became greater than "I am doing this impossible thing." When I started this website I put the entire project in the hands of the Lord to accomplish what is to come of this ministry. I find myself surprised that the site is coming along as smoothly as it is. "...and beginning to sink..." Thank God, Jesus is there to lift us and comfort our doubtings.

RECOMMENDED FOR FURTHER READING:
These Bible References
Exodus 17:1-6; 1 Chronicles 5:20; 2 Chronicles 33:11-13; James 5:13-16;

I know that I'm stating the obvious here, but I don't want anyone to miss the most important point that the message above and the further reading verses listed here have for you. Have you noticed that the fervent prayers of believers result in answers to the affirmative? Have you also noticed that those praying believed in God? and trusted Him? and worshipped Him? and believed He would do as they had asked? Does that say something important to your heart? Get yourself right with the Father and anything you ask in the name of Jesus will be done for you.

Heavenly Father,
Help me to keep my eyes on thee and to realize that you are still on the throne and in control. Help me to see that regardless of whatever boisterous influence may try to come between you and me, simply hanging on to you and not taking my eyes off of you will keep us connected. You have the ability to remove the influence and calm the waters which try to separate our fellowship. I place my trust in thee to lift me over the troubled sea and stand me firmly on solid faith in thee. Teach me Thy patience, and grant me Thy wisdom and peace. Amen