Continuing in our series, God is Faithful, we explore faith and fear through the story of Jesus walking on water and Peter’s bold attempt to join him. This familiar biblical account from Matthew 14 takes on new significance as we examine how fear can paralyze us, while faith empowers us to step out into the unknown. God doesn’t merely suggest we avoid fear — He commands it. Fear is a choice, and when we fixate on circumstances instead of God’s promises, our anxieties grow. The message challenges us to recognize how our past hurts and insecurities can project onto our relationship with God, potentially hindering our intimacy with Him. Yet, we’re encouraged to bring our doubts and fears to Jesus, just as Peter did. The beautiful truth emerges: Jesus is faithful even when our faith falters. This insight invites us to be honest about our fears, both with God and our Christian community, transforming our weaknesses into opportunities for God’s strength to shine through.

Main Points:

- Fear rises in the storms of life, but God allows difficult circumstances to draw us closer to Himself.

- Faith moves toward Jesus in the face of fear.

- Jesus rescues us even when our faith falters.

- God’s faithfulness doesn’t depend on our perfect faith.

- Admitting our fears is a strength, not a weakness.

- Naming our fears to God and sharing with others helps us overcome them.

Scripture Referenced:

Matthew 14:22-33; Job 9:8; Galatians 2:20; Isaiah 26:3; Hebrews 13:5-6; 2 Corinthians 12:10; Isaiah 41:10

Discussion Questions:

1) The sermon began with the question, “What are you most afraid of?” Share your answer with the group. How does this fear impact your daily life and relationship with God?

2) How does focusing on our circumstances rather than on Jesus contribute to fear and anxiety in our lives? Can you share an experience where shifting your focus back to Jesus helped you overcome fear?

3) Discuss the statement: “Insecurity is the enemy of intimacy.” How have you seen this play out in your relationships with others or with God?

4) Peter’s bold request to walk on water is described as capturing “the heart of true discipleship.” What areas of your life might God be calling you to step out in faith, even if it seems risky or impossible?

5) The sermon states, “Control is just man’s effort to navigate fear without God.” In what areas of your life do you find yourself grasping for control, and how might surrendering control to God impact your faith and relationship with Him?

6) Reflect on the phrase, “Jesus is faithful even when our faith falters.” How does this truth encourage you in your walk with God?

7) Drew Zeiler emphasized the importance of noticing, naming, and sharing our fears with God and our Christian community. Why do you think this is challenging for many believers? How can we cultivate an environment where it’s safe to be vulnerable about our fears?

Practical Application:

1) Notice, Name, Confess: Each time you feel fear or anxiety this week, jot down the cause. At the end of the day or week, review your entries and look for root causes (health-related fears, fear of rejection, safety fears for you or your family, financial insecurity, fear of being unloved or lacking value and worth, etc.). Pray and confess to God the areas where you are struggling to trust Him. Ask Him for help. Share what you have noticed, and now named, with your community group or a trusted friend and pray for one another.

2) Step of Faith: Is there an area where God might be calling you to “step out of the boat” in faith? If so, prayerfully consider your next faithful step, ask God to help you take it, and take it – with eyes fixed on Jesus (Isaiah 26:3).

3) Scripture Memorization: Memorize Isaiah 41:10 this week: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Worship Setlist:

Yes and Amen; How Great Thou Art; Holy Forever; All Sufficient Merit; He Will Hold Me Fast