Get Out Of The Boat | Stephen Chandler | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Get Out Of The Boat

Stephen Chandler

Union Church • Aug 29, 2026 • 50 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

When life's storms and overwhelming circumstances threaten to drown us, Jesus calls us to step out of our comfort zones in bold faith. Sinking after stepping out is not the end of our story, because the moment we cry out, Jesus immediately reaches down to restore and walk with us through the storm. By fixing our eyes on Him, we can step into supernatural breakthroughs and walk on top of the very things that used to overwhelm us.

Themes

Bold FaithOvercoming FearSpiritual WarfareGod's ProvisionRestorationDivine Rescue

Pastor's Points

1.

Why not get out of the boat?

2.

The miss is the best part

Key Points

1.
When life's overwhelming circumstances threaten to sink us, Jesus responds the instant we cry out to Him.
2.
Experiencing opposition and turbulence does not mean you are outside of God's will.
3.
Fierce spiritual resistance often occurs right before a major breakthrough because the enemy seeks to intimidate believers into abandoning their God-given destination.
4.
Hardship and trial serve as the setting where God reveals key dimensions of His identity—such as El Roi, Jehovah Jireh, and Jehovah Nissi—to His children.
5.
Experiencing miracles requires taking courageous steps out of comfortable, predictable environments.
6.
Genuine faith demands taking bold action on God's word rather than passively settling in a dying situation.
7.
Sinking after losing focus on Jesus is not the end of your story or calling, as His grace catches you the moment you cry for help.
8.
Peter walked on water twice—first toward Jesus, and then back to the boat alongside Him after being fully restored.

Sermon Moments

“You cannot judge the destination by the journey.”

“Waves crash where God sends you.”

“Suffering is where your God is revealed to you.”

“I can drown in the boat or I can drown outside of the boat, but I'm not drowning sitting in the boat.”

“Don't move without a word from God, but don't make Him have to say it twice.”

“Everybody knows that Peter walked on water once. What people miss is he walked on water twice.”

“Tonight is the night you are once again going to walk on top of what has been walking on top of you.”

This Week

Cry out to Jesus immediately when feeling overwhelmed, trusting His swift rescue rather than relying on self-sufficiency.

Persevere through spiritual turbulence, recognizing that fierce opposition often precedes major God-given breakthroughs.

Seek God in the midst of hardship to discover deeper aspects of His nature, such as El Roi, Jehovah Jireh, and Jehovah Nissi.

Step out of comfortable, stagnant environments in obedience when God gives a clear word to move forward.

Refuse to let fear or past mistakes keep you from stepping back up in faith after a period of sinking or stumbling.

Fix your eyes squarely on Jesus every day to avoid becoming overwhelmed by surrounding circumstances.

Take a bold step of faith this week—whether starting a ministry, having a difficult conversation, or stepping into a new calling.

Remember This

When life's storms surround you, get out of the boat in faith, keep your eyes on Jesus, and trust His immediate rescue whenever you start to sink.

A Challenge for You

Open your mouth and cry out, 'Jesus, save me!' Let Him restore you tonight so that you walk out of this building on top of whatever has been walking on top of you.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.