Embracing Faith: Taking Risks in God's Will
Summary
In today's message, I shared a personal story about helping my daughter prepare for a spelling bee, which led me to reflect on the concept of faith. Just as spelling bees challenge children to spell difficult words, God challenges us to spell "faith" in our lives. Faith is not just a passive belief; it is an active, dynamic force that requires us to take risks and step out of our comfort zones. Faith is essential in our walk with God, as it is the very oxygen of our relationship with Him. It is not a personality trait or a class we can complete; it is a continuous journey that demands action and trust in God.
I explored the story of Peter walking on water, highlighting how even with his imperfections and little faith, Peter was able to do the impossible because he trusted Jesus. This story illustrates that it's not the size of our faith that matters, but the object of our faith—Jesus. When we take risks and step out in faith, God reveals Himself to us in ways we could never imagine. The revelation often comes after the risk, not before, challenging us to trust God even when we cannot see the full picture.
I also addressed the storms we face in life, emphasizing that sometimes we encounter storms not because of disobedience, but because we are following God's will. These storms of obedience test our faith and trust in God, reminding us that He is always watching over us, even when He seems distant. Jesus walking on water serves as a powerful reminder that He has authority over every storm we face, and He calls us to take courage and not be afraid.
Ultimately, the message is a call to action for those who have been playing it safe. It's an encouragement to take the step of faith, to embrace the risk, and to trust that God, who sends us, will also sustain us. As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, we are reminded that God is with us, guiding us, and revealing His power and love in every step we take.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith as Action: Faith is not a passive belief but an active force that demands action and risk. It requires stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting God even when the path is unclear. Faith is the oxygen of our relationship with God, essential for our spiritual journey. [06:14]
2. Revelation Follows Risk: God often reveals Himself to us after we take a step of faith. The disciples learned more about Jesus' power and identity as they followed Him, illustrating that revelation comes after the risk. Trusting God means moving forward without knowing all the details. [12:32]
3. Storms of Obedience: Not all storms in life are due to disobedience; some occur because we are following God's will. These storms test our faith and remind us that we can be in the center of God's will and still face challenges. Trusting God in these moments is crucial. [16:44]
4. God's Watchful Eye: Even when we feel alone in our struggles, God is always watching over us. He never takes His eyes off us, and His presence is constant, even when we cannot see Him. This assurance gives us the courage to face life's storms. [19:35]
5. Authority Over the Storm: Jesus walking on water demonstrates His authority over the storms we face. He calls us to take courage and not be afraid, reminding us that He has power over every challenge. Our faith in Him allows us to rise above the circumstances. [23:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:00] - The Spelling Bee Challenge
- [03:30] - Faith: The Essential Element
- [06:14] - Faith Demands Action
- [08:45] - Peter's Walk on Water
- [12:32] - Revelation After Risk
- [14:50] - Storms of Obedience
- [16:44] - Trusting God in the Storm
- [19:35] - God's Watchful Eye
- [21:20] - Jesus' Authority Over Storms
- [23:38] - Take Courage, It Is I
- [25:00] - The Call to Take Risks
- [27:15] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 14:22-33 (Peter Walking on Water)
- Hebrews 11:1 (Faith as Assurance)
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 (Walking by Faith, Not by Sight)
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Observation Questions:
1. In the story of Peter walking on water, what was Peter's initial reaction when he saw Jesus walking on the water, and how did Jesus respond to him? [23:38]
2. According to the sermon, how does the speaker describe the nature of faith in relation to action and risk? [06:14]
3. What does the speaker mean by "storms of obedience," and how does this concept relate to the disciples' experience in the storm? [16:44]
4. How does the speaker illustrate the idea that God reveals Himself after we take a step of faith? [12:32]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Peter walking on water illustrate the importance of the object of our faith rather than the size of our faith? [23:38]
2. What does the speaker mean when he says that faith is the "oxygen of our relationship with God," and how does this metaphor help us understand the role of faith in our spiritual lives? [06:14]
3. In what ways does the speaker suggest that God uses storms in our lives to test and strengthen our faith? [16:44]
4. How does the speaker's personal story about his daughter's spelling bee relate to the broader theme of taking risks in faith? [06:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was calling you to take a risk in faith. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your relationship with God? [06:14]
2. The speaker mentions that faith often requires stepping out of our comfort zones. Identify one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith. What practical steps can you take this week to respond to that call? [06:14]
3. Consider a current "storm" you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as a "storm of obedience" rather than a punishment or setback? [16:44]
4. The speaker emphasizes that God reveals Himself after we take a step of faith. How can you apply this principle to a decision you are currently facing? [12:32]
5. How can you remind yourself of God's constant watchful presence in your life, especially during challenging times? What specific practices or habits can help reinforce this awareness? [19:35]
6. Reflect on the idea that Jesus has authority over every storm. How can this truth bring you comfort and courage in your current circumstances? [23:38]
7. The speaker encourages taking risks in faith. What is one specific risk you feel God is prompting you to take, and how can your small group support you in this journey? [06:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as a Dynamic Force
Faith is not merely a passive belief but an active, dynamic force that requires us to step out of our comfort zones and take risks. It is the oxygen of our relationship with God, essential for our spiritual journey. Just as a spelling bee challenges children to spell difficult words, God challenges us to spell "faith" in our lives by trusting Him even when the path is unclear. This active faith demands action and trust in God, pushing us to grow and deepen our relationship with Him. [06:14]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a tangible step towards that today?
Day 2: Revelation Comes After Risk
God often reveals Himself to us after we take a step of faith. The story of Peter walking on water illustrates that it's not the size of our faith that matters, but the object of our faith—Jesus. When we take risks and step out in faith, God reveals Himself to us in ways we could never imagine. This revelation often comes after the risk, not before, challenging us to trust God even when we cannot see the full picture. [12:32]
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Reflection: Think of a time when you took a risk in faith and God revealed something new to you. How can this past experience encourage you to trust Him with a current challenge?
Day 3: Storms of Obedience
Not all storms in life are due to disobedience; some occur because we are following God's will. These storms test our faith and remind us that we can be in the center of God's will and still face challenges. Trusting God in these moments is crucial, as He is always watching over us, even when He seems distant. Jesus walking on water serves as a powerful reminder that He has authority over every storm we face. [16:44]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Are you currently facing a storm that you believe is a result of following God's will? How can you find joy and steadfastness in this trial, trusting that God is with you?
Day 4: God's Constant Presence
Even when we feel alone in our struggles, God is always watching over us. He never takes His eyes off us, and His presence is constant, even when we cannot see Him. This assurance gives us the courage to face life's storms, knowing that we are never truly alone. Jesus' authority over the storm reminds us that He is with us, guiding us through every challenge. [19:35]
Psalm 121:3-4 (ESV): "He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."
Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself of God's constant presence in your life, especially during difficult times? How can this awareness change your perspective on your current struggles?
Day 5: Courage in the Face of Storms
Jesus walking on water demonstrates His authority over the storms we face. He calls us to take courage and not be afraid, reminding us that He has power over every challenge. Our faith in Him allows us to rise above the circumstances, trusting that He will sustain us as we navigate the uncertainties of life. This message is a call to action for those who have been playing it safe, encouraging us to embrace the risk and trust in God's sustaining power. [23:38]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: What is one fear that is holding you back from taking a step of faith? How can you confront this fear with the courage that comes from trusting in Jesus' authority over your life?
Quotes
"Faith is the oxygen of our relationship with God. Faith is critical. Faith, it's almost impossible to overestimate the value of what faith is. Faith is so important that when the Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Ephesus and he lets them know about what their salvation is, he said, it is by grace you have been saved through faith." [00:02:47] (22 seconds)
"Faith is not a personality test. Faith is not a characteristic. Faith is not like a class you can take, and then once you take the class, you're like, oh, done with that. Don't have to go through that anymore. No, no, no, no. Faith is deeper than that Hobby Lobby picture that you saw with the cat holding on to the rope, talking about keep the faith." [00:03:49] (18 seconds)
"Faith demands action. Faith will demand that you take a step. Faith will unsettle you. Faith will shake you. Faith will not allow you to sit in complacency. Faith won't let you sit on the sideline. Faith will push you into everything that God has for you. Faith will make you leave a good job with great benefits and say, I'm out here." [00:03:52] (22 seconds)
"Faith is not for those who want to play it safe. Faith is not for those who want comfort. Faith is for those who are walking with God, and it is critical. Let me tell you why most of us miss God's spelling bee, because God gives us the word faith, right? He says, spell it, and we get up on stage, and we get ready to spell faith." [00:04:51] (20 seconds)
"Faith is spelled risk. Can you use it in a sentence? We walk by risk and not by sight. Risk is the substance of things hoped for. It is the evidence of things not seen. Let it be to you according to your risk. Your risk has made you whole. It was by risk that Noah built an ark before he ever saw one drop of rain." [00:06:22] (24 seconds)
"The revelation comes after the risk. It's after you make the move that he often does the miracle. It's after you've taken the step that he reveals the thing to you. So those of you who are waiting for God to give you a PowerPoint presentation of what the future is going to look like and you want to know the 10-year plan, you might be stuck for years." [00:11:07] (23 seconds)
"This was a revelation mission. He was showing them who he was. He was showing them by walking on water, cool, calm, and collected, that I'm walking on top of the thing that's trying to take you under. So if it's trying to take you under and I'm walking on top of it, you need to know I have authority over it." [00:22:45] (18 seconds)
"Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid. Somebody came all the way to Life .Church to get those three stanzas right there. Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid. Notice he didn't say muster up some courage. He said take courage. How many of you know Jesus would not have told them to take courage if courage was not within their reach." [00:23:52] (22 seconds)
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