Matthew 14:23-33, Mark 6:45-51, Mark 9:14-29

Power failure is frustrating. In the more extreme cases, it can be catastrophic. Power failure in the spiritual sense can have eternal ramifications. Perhaps, by looking at the disciples of Jesus’ power failures, we can avoid the same power failures in our own lives.

Power Failure comes from Doubting

"After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountain-side by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It’s a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid." "Lord, if it’s you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "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!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." (Matthew 14:23-33).

Walking on water... is quite the success!! But then, Peter experienced a devastating power failure.

The power failure happens when we take our eyes off Jesus.

Scripture says "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" (Matt 14:31).

When Peter let doubt creep in to his life, he experienced power failure.

Power failure sometimes occurs right after a spiritual high.

Help is available for power failures for those who ask.

Power Failure Comes from Self-Reliance - Trying to Do it All under Our Own Power

"Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed" (Mark 6:45-51).

They experienced power failure because they were struggling through the storm under their own power.

When we neglect the power source, a failure is certain.

The more we struggle on our own, the more weak we become... and before long, we experience power failure.

Power Failure comes from Prayer Failure:

"When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked. A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not." "O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." "‘If you can’?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He’s dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn’t we drive it out?" He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer." (Mark 9:14-29)

If we don’t truly believe or lack faith in the power of God, we won’t pray.

Their power failure was a direct result of their prayer failure.

Jesus told them candidly, "This kind can come out only by prayer" Mark 9:29 (NIV).

When you take the time and energy to pray, you will find that you WILL have power for living!

So how can the Christian avoid power failure? At first glance, it seems quite simple:

        Believe

        Look to Christ for our Strength

        Pray.

Power failure in our Christian life is devastating as well. It can be catastrophic. And the effects may be eternal.