Happy 18th Birthday, Grace Church! 

18 years ago, Holiday Inn in Brockton with 35 people. 

Big dream, maybe, 300 of our friends and neighbors would find their way to faith in Jesus, and will be a part of our church family. 

We had no idea that God was dreaming much bigger than us! 

[Matthew 14:13–15] (NLT) 

13 As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. 14 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” 

[Matthew 14:22–29]  

22 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. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”  27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”  28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”  29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.  So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 

A few OBSERVATIONS from this story:

All of the disciples were obedient

Jesus didn’t initiate the opportunity for Peter to walk on water

Peter could have kept his mouth shut and it wouldn’t have been sin

He volunteered!

He put himself out there and God responded 

There’s nothing wrong with average, unless you’re meant for something more. 

There’s nothing wrong with sitting in the boat unless God created you to walk on water.