IMPACT Recap

Get Out Of The Boat

April 26, 2021 · 0:58:37

FaithMiraclesPurpose

Recap

Pastor Travis Hearn preached a sermon titled 'Get Out of the Boat,' based on the story of Peter walking on water from Matthew 14. He began by setting the scene of Jesus, grieving the loss of John the Baptist, yet ministering to a large crowd and performing the miracle of feeding the 5,000. After this, Jesus sent His disciples into a boat, directly into a storm, illustrating that God sometimes allows storms to draw us closer to Him. In the midst of the storm, Jesus walked on water to meet them, demonstrating His presence in our trials. Peter, upon Jesus's invitation, stepped out of the boat in faith but began to sink when he focused on the wind and waves. Pastor Travis used this narrative to challenge the congregation to identify and step out of their own 'boats'—areas of comfort, fear, or past hurt—that prevent them from pursuing God-given dreams. He emphasized that all miracles happen outside our comfort zones and that with God, all things are possible. The message encouraged listeners to throw away doubts, ask God for courage, and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, walking by faith and not by sight. Pastor Travis concluded with a call to surrender to Christ and to take the first step of faith toward the dreams God has placed in their hearts.

Main Points

  • To experience God's miracles and fulfill your dreams, you must step out of your 'boat' of comfort, safety, and familiarity.
  • Overcome the dream-killing forces of doubt—including past failures, lack of confidence, comparison, and fear—by focusing on God's Word and His view of you.
  • Walk by faith, not by sight, by taking the first step God shows you, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, and ignoring distractions.

Verses Mentioned

  • Matthew 14:22-33 - "Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, 'It’s a ghost!' But Jesus spoke to them at once. 'Don’t be afraid,' he said. 'Take courage. I am here!' Then Peter called to him, 'Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.' 'Yes, come,' Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. 'Save me, Lord!' he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. 'You have so little faith,' Jesus said. 'Why did you doubt me?'" (NLT)
  • Matthew 19:26 - "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (NIV)
  • Ephesians 3:20 - "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." (NLT)
  • Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (NIV)
  • Mark 9:23-24 - "'If you can?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who believes.' Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'" (NIV)
  • Joshua 1:1-9 - "After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 'Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.'" (NIV)
  • 2 Corinthians 5:7 - "For we live by faith, not by sight." (NIV)
  • Proverbs 4:25 - "Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions." (MSG)
  • Hebrews 12:2 - "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (NIV)
  • Luke 9:62 - "Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'" (NIV)

Daily Action Plan

Monday

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 14:29-30 (NIV) - 'Come,' he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!'

Focus Point: Identify Your Boat

Action Plan: Take a moment to write down one area of comfort, fear, or past hurt (your 'boat') that is holding you back from a God-given dream.

Deep Prayer: Lord, give me the clarity to see what I am clinging to for false security. Help me to be honest about the boat I need to leave.

Tuesday

Scripture Reflection: Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) - Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Focus Point: Throw Away Doubts

Action Plan: Read the verse aloud. Then, write down one specific doubt about your dream and counter it with this truth about God's power.

Deep Prayer: God, my doubts feel so real. Help my unbelief. Remind me today that You are able to do far more than I can imagine.

Wednesday

Scripture Reflection: Joshua 1:9 (NIV) - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Focus Point: Ask for Courage

Action Plan: Memorize this verse. In a moment of hesitation today, repeat it to yourself as a 'pep talk' from God.

Deep Prayer: Father, I feel afraid to step out. I ask You for Your courage today. Thank You for Your promise to be with me wherever I go.

Thursday

Scripture Reflection: 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) - For we live by faith, not by sight.

Focus Point: Take One Step

Action Plan: Identify and take one small, practical step related to your dream that feels like a step of faith, even if you can't see the whole path.

Deep Prayer: Jesus, I choose to walk by faith today, not by what I can see or figure out. Guide my first step and I will trust You for the next.

Friday

Scripture Reflection: Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) - Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Focus Point: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Action Plan: When you feel distracted by fears or circumstances today, intentionally pause and refocus your thoughts on Jesus through a short prayer or worship song.

Deep Prayer: Lord, the wind and waves are loud. Help me to ignore the distractions and fix my eyes firmly on You, the author of my faith.

Saturday

Scripture Reflection: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) - Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Focus Point: Trust and Reflect

Action Plan: Reflect on your week. Write down one way you saw God provide or guide after you took a step of faith or trusted Him more.

Deep Prayer: God, thank You for being trustworthy. I choose to submit my plans, my dreams, and my path to You. Straighten my way as I trust in You.

2026© Powered by jocal AI

All Rights Reserved by jocal.dev