John 6:16-24
60 percent of our fears are totally unwarranted.
20 percent of our fears have already become past activities.
10 percent of our fears are so petty they make no difference at all.
Of the remaining ten percent, only 5 percent are real and justifiable.
Source: University of Michigan Research Center
Obedience and Faith Are Lifelong Companions: vv. 16-20
When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. 20But he said to them, It is I; don’t be afraid.
1. Following Christ brings satisfaction . John 6:12-14
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted. 13So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
14After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.
2. Knowing Christ brings peace . Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
We Never Test the Resources of God Until We Attempt the Impossible: vv. 22-24
The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.
1. Choose belief instead of doubt. 2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self‑discipline.
2. Turn to God for your strength . Psalm 24:7-8
Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
3. Focus on the things you can change . Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
4. Ask God for deliverance . Psalm 61:1-2
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 2From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
We have a God who delights in the impossible.
Andrew Murray
