Anchored in Faith: Trusting Christ Through Life's Storms

Faith is the anchor that holds us steady when the storms of life come crashing in. While we often place our trust in everyday things—our health, our finances, even the reliability of our air conditioners—true security is found only in Christ, our solid rock and firm foundation. Faith does not remove the challenges we face, but it gives us the strength to endure and the confidence to trust in God’s character, even when we cannot see the outcome or feel His presence.

The story of the Roman centurion in Luke 7:1-10 is a powerful example of great faith. This centurion, a Gentile and an officer in the occupying Roman army, demonstrated humility, compassion, and a deep trust in Jesus’ authority. Despite his status and power, he recognized his own unworthiness and the supremacy of Christ. He believed that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word, without even entering his home. This faith amazed Jesus, who declared that He had not found such great faith even in Israel.

Great faith is not about religious pedigree, personal merit, or having all the right answers. It is about humbly submitting to God, trusting in His word, and acting on that trust. The centurion’s faith was sparked by the testimony of others—reminding us that our own stories of God’s faithfulness can ignite faith in those around us. We are called not only to read and memorize God’s word, but to pray it, live it, and share it. Faith that moves the heart of God is faith that takes Jesus at His word, even when we feel unworthy or when the situation seems impossible.

God’s power is not limited by distance, circumstance, or our understanding. His word is living and active, and when we trust Him completely, miracles can still happen. Like the centurion, we are invited to approach Jesus with humble confidence, believing that He is able and willing to act on our behalf. Let us be people of great faith—not waiting to see before we believe, but believing because of who Christ is and what He has promised.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faith Anchors Us in Uncertainty Faith does not guarantee a life free from storms, but it provides a steadfast anchor when everything else is uncertain. When we cannot see the outcome or feel God’s presence, faith holds us to the unchanging character of Christ, our solid rock and firm foundation. This kind of faith is not based on circumstances, but on the reliability of God Himself. [01:22]
• 2. The Living Word Fuels Great Faith God’s word is unlike any other book; it is alive, powerful, and the author is present every time we read it. To cultivate great faith, we must not only read and memorize scripture, but also pray it and put it into action. The word of God grounds us, shapes our prayers, and equips us to live out our faith in tangible ways. [03:14]
• 3. Humility and Recognition of Christ’s Authority The centurion’s greatness was not in his status, but in his humility and his recognition of Jesus’ authority. He understood both his own unworthiness and Christ’s divine power, believing that a single word from Jesus was enough. True faith is marked by humble confidence—not demanding signs, but trusting in the sufficiency of Christ’s word. [22:13]
• 4. Our Testimony Sparks Faith in Others The centurion’s faith was likely ignited by hearing the testimony of another whose child Jesus had healed. Never underestimate the power of your story; sharing what God has done in your life can be the spark that leads someone else to faith. We are called to let our light shine, knowing that our witness may be the only gospel someone ever hears. [15:50]
• 5. Faith That Moves God Is Rooted in Reliance, Not Merit Jesus responded to the centurion not because he was deserving, but because he dared to trust completely in Christ’s authority. God is not moved by our resumes or religious performance, but by our reliance on Him. When we take Jesus at His word, even when we feel unworthy or see no visible evidence, we position ourselves for miracles and the blessing of God. [32:26]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:44] - Everyday Faith and Life’s Uncertainties
• [01:22] - Christ as Our Firm Foundation
• [02:34] - The Power and Uniqueness of God’s Word
• [03:14] - Reading, Memorizing, and Praying Scripture
• [05:13] - Faith in Action: Beyond the Church Walls
• [06:38] - The Roman Centurion’s Unusual Faith
• [09:12] - Letting God Out of the Box
• [10:27] - Luke 7:1-10: The Centurion’s Story
• [13:11] - Gentile Attraction to the God of Israel
• [15:50] - The Power of Testimony
• [17:46] - Love, Generosity, and Breaking Down Barriers
• [20:22] - Humility and Understanding Christ’s Authority
• [22:13] - The Centurion’s Declaration of Faith
• [24:15] - Jesus Marvels at Great Faith
• [29:44] - Worthiness and the Heart of Faith
• [31:08] - The Sufficiency of Christ’s Word
• [33:07] - Trusting Jesus Even When Unseen
• [35:09] - Faith Like Abraham
• [36:29] - Prayer for Strengthened Faith
• [38:05] - Communion: Remembering with Great Faith

Bible Reading

Luke 7:1-10 (ESV) — 1 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.
3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.
4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him,
5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”
6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.
7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.
8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”
10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

Observation Questions

1. What actions did the centurion take to seek help for his servant, and what do these actions reveal about his character? ([10:27])
2. How did the centurion describe himself in relation to Jesus, and what does this show about his attitude? ([22:13])
3. What was Jesus’ response to the centurion’s faith, and how did the healing take place? ([24:15])
4. According to the sermon, what role did the testimony of others play in the centurion’s faith? ([15:50])

Interpretation Questions

1. The centurion was a Roman officer, not a Jew, yet he demonstrated great faith. What does this suggest about who can have faith and how God responds to it? ([29:44])
2. The centurion believed Jesus could heal with just a word, without being physically present. What does this say about his understanding of Jesus’ authority and power? ([23:37])
3. The Jewish elders said the centurion was “worthy,” but the centurion said he was “not worthy.” Why is this contrast important, and what does it teach about humility and faith? ([29:44])
4. The sermon mentions that the centurion’s faith was likely sparked by hearing someone else’s story about Jesus. How does this highlight the importance of sharing our testimonies? ([15:50])

Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “Faith doesn’t eliminate the storms of life. But our faith does give us a strong anchor for when the waves come crashing in.” Can you share a time when your faith anchored you during a difficult season? What did that look like practically? ([01:22])
2. The centurion’s faith was fueled by hearing about what Jesus had done for someone else. Who in your life has shared a testimony that encouraged your faith? Is there someone you could encourage by sharing your own story this week? ([15:50])
3. The centurion humbly recognized his own unworthiness and Christ’s authority. Are there areas in your life where pride or self-sufficiency might be keeping you from fully trusting Jesus? What would it look like to approach Jesus with humble confidence? ([22:13])
4. The sermon challenges us to not just read and memorize God’s word, but to pray it, live it, and share it. What is one specific way you can put God’s word into action this week? ([03:14])
5. The centurion believed Jesus could act even when he couldn’t see the outcome. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to trust God’s word, even though you don’t see results yet? How can the group pray for you in this? ([33:07])
6. The pastor said, “Your testimony may be the only gospel that someone ever hears and you may be the only Jesus that any somebody may ever see.” Who is one person you feel led to share your faith story with, and what’s a first step you can take? ([25:35])
7. The sermon reminds us that God is not moved by our resumes or religious performance, but by our reliance on Him. Are there ways you’ve been trying to “earn” God’s favor instead of simply trusting Him? How can you shift your focus this week? ([32:26])