A Crash Course in Character

1. The setting

Feeding the five thousand = provision

Caught in the storm = protection

2. The cause

Jesus initiated both events

Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. Matthew 14:22 (NKJV)

3. The preparation

Jesus prayed

And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. Matthew 14:23 (NKJV)

4. The lessons

Jesus = the triumph of faith and prayer

Disciples = our limitations

Peter = the importance of faith

But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. [25] Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. Matthew 14:24-25 (NKJV)

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:31 (NKJV)

Conclusion

Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity

I know, O Lord, that your decisions are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Psalm 119:75 (NLT)

For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. [32] Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion according to the greatness of his unfailing love. [33] For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow. Lament. 3:31-33 (NLT)

"I go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him. [9] I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I turn to the south, but I cannot find him. [10] But he knows where I am going. And when he has tested me like gold in a fire, he will pronounce me innocent. [11] "For I have stayed in God's paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. [12] I have not departed from his commands but have treasured his word in my heart. [13] Nevertheless, his mind concerning me remains unchanged, and who can turn him from his purposes? Whatever he wants to do, he does. [14] So he will do for me all he has planned. He controls my destiny. Job 23:8-14 (NLT)