Matthew 14: 22-33 We all go through times of hardship, difficulties, challenges and yes even doubts. I have been there many times, there is no secret and if we are honest we all have been there too. For some it is a passing moment, for others though is a permanent condition that points to the fact that they do not trust God, at least not enough. But for all of us there is a daily challenge of how to stand in faith, carrying on with what we believe god has given us to do as a mission when things around us are not easy and they seem not to go the way we would like them to be. What are we going to do in those moments? How can we stand in faith? How can we carry on when things seem to go wrong? Can we get some direction from the Bible? Well the answer is yes and there are many passages to help us. I want to share one that is very special to me. Let me share briefly some important points. 1`. Wait on God We all want things to happen as soon as possible; that is the human nature. But God knows what is the best time. The disciples left Jesus on the shore not waiting for him to be ready and so they went out without God's blessing. How many of us do the same? How many times did you you do something because you thought it was a good idea without waiting on God to release you? The disciples left Jesus' protection and went out on the lake facing danger and trouble. That is what will happen to us if and when we go out, without Jesus or ahead of Jesus. 2. Trust in God The problem with the disciples was that they went on their own because they trusted their experience, their knowledge, their skills. Sadly all those failed them! The only thing we can trust is the blessing of Jesus, the favour of Jesus, the presence of Jesus. Ps 16: 11 says, "In the presence of God there is fullness of joy." The disciples should have trusted in Jesus; and we must do the same. Yes, at times we think we know, we can manage; but when we leave Jesus out, when we trust in us the only thing we achieve is disaster. 3. Do you really know Jesus? After all the time that the disciples had been with Jesus they must have known him very well. But... when Jesus walked on the water to them they did not recognize him! This is so bad! But many of us are in the same situation. We think we know Jesus; but... how many times we did not see Jesus standing with us? How many times did we not recognize the opportunities that he was giving us? Are you hungry and thirsty for God, for his presence, for his word or are you simply looking for miracles and blessings? 4. What are you looking at? The problem with the disciples and especially Peter is that he did something extraordinary ... while he was looking at Jesus. But... as soon as he started looking at the wind and the waves he started sinking into the water and had to cry for help. That is what happens to us too. So, what are you looking at? Are you looking at your debts or are you looking at Jehovah Jireh? Are you looking at your sickness or are you looking at Jehovah Rapha? Are you looking at your marriage problems or are you looking at Jehovah Shalom? Today God is calling us to come near him and restore the trust that we once had in him, to strengthen our faith what ever the difficulties ahead or the situations we are facing. Let me ask you: are you ready to believe and trust in Jesus or the lies of the enemy? Are you ready to come out of your problems and walk on water? You have the choice, you have to make that decision.