Faith in Chaos: Trusting Jesus Through Life's Storms
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gathered at the Potter's House to reflect on the theme of "Conquering Chaos." We began by acknowledging the importance of structure and boundaries in parenting, drawing parallels to how God provides order in our lives. Without structure, chaos ensues, and this is true not only for children but for all of us. We then delved into the story of Jesus walking on water from Matthew 14, illustrating how Jesus calls us into chaotic situations to test and grow our faith.
Jesus sent His disciples into a stormy sea, a place of chaos and fear, to teach them reliance on Him. This act mirrors God's call to us to step out of our comfort zones and into the unknown, trusting Him to guide us. The sea, often a biblical symbol of chaos, represents the unpredictable and uncontrollable aspects of life. Yet, Jesus walks on this chaos, demonstrating His power over it.
We explored how human ingenuity and our own "boats" of understanding are insufficient to navigate life's storms. True peace and safety come from stepping out in faith, as Peter did when he walked on water. However, Peter's momentary doubt and subsequent sinking remind us that our focus must remain on Jesus, not on the surrounding chaos.
Jesus' actions show that He is always interceding for us, even when He seems distant. His call to step out in faith is a call to experience His supernatural power. The story concludes with Jesus calming the storm, reinforcing that He is the ultimate source of peace and order.
As we face our own chaotic situations, we are encouraged to trust in Jesus, step out of our boats, and keep our eyes fixed on Him. This faith journey is not without its challenges, but it is through these trials that we experience God's miraculous power and grow closer to Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Structure and Boundaries in Life: Just as children need structure and boundaries to thrive, we too need God's order in our lives. Without it, chaos reigns. God provides us with guidelines and limits not to restrict us but to help us grow and flourish. [17:43]
2. Jesus Calls Us into Chaos: Jesus intentionally sends us into chaotic situations to test and strengthen our faith. Like the disciples on the stormy sea, we are often called to step out of our comfort zones and trust in God's guidance, even when it seems risky. [24:38]
3. Human Ingenuity is Limited: Our own understanding and abilities can only take us so far. In the face of life's storms, our "boats" of human ingenuity are insufficient. True safety and peace come from stepping out in faith and relying on Jesus. [48:25]
4. Faith Overcomes Fear: Peter's experience of walking on water teaches us that faith can enable us to conquer chaos. However, when we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on our problems, we begin to sink. Keeping our focus on Him is crucial. [56:47]
5. Jesus is Our Advocate: Even when Jesus seems distant, He is interceding for us. He is our advocate before the Father, praying for our strength and guidance. This assurance should encourage us to step out in faith, knowing that He is always with us. [36:59]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [09:02] - Announcements
3. [12:16] - Outreach Report
4. [13:50] - Offering and Generosity
5. [16:44] - Bible Reading Plan
6. [17:43] - Structure and Boundaries
7. [21:33] - Conquering Chaos
8. [24:38] - Jesus Calls Us into Chaos
9. [30:49] - Feeling Out of Control
10. [32:30] - Stepping Out in Faith
11. [36:59] - Jesus as Our Advocate
12. [40:13] - Challenges in Chaos
13. [48:25] - Limitations of Human Ingenuity
14. [56:47] - Faith Overcomes Fear
15. [01:00:29] - Invitation to Salvation
16. [01:06:16] - Altar Call and Prayer
17. [01:11:25] - Communion
18. [01:15:06] - Final Charge and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Conquering Chaos
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 14:22-33 (Jesus Walks on Water)
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus do immediately after sending the disciples into the boat? (Matthew 14:22-23)
2. How did the disciples react when they saw Jesus walking on the water? (Matthew 14:26)
3. What was Peter's initial response to seeing Jesus on the water, and what happened when he began to doubt? (Matthew 14:28-30)
4. How did Jesus respond to Peter's cry for help, and what was His rebuke? (Matthew 14:31)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus sent the disciples into the stormy sea without Him? What might this teach us about facing chaotic situations? [24:38]
2. How does Peter's experience of walking on water illustrate the relationship between faith and fear? [56:47]
3. In what ways does the story of Jesus walking on water demonstrate His power over chaos and His role as our advocate? [36:59]
4. How does the concept of "tohu wabohu" (formless and void) from Genesis 1:2 relate to the chaos described in the sermon? [26:07]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by chaos in your life. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How might keeping your focus on Jesus have changed that situation? [56:47]
2. Jesus calls us to step out of our comfort zones and into chaotic situations to grow our faith. What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to take a risk? How can you take a step of faith this week? [24:38]
3. The sermon mentioned that human ingenuity and our own "boats" of understanding are insufficient to navigate life's storms. What are some "boats" you rely on, and how can you shift your trust to Jesus instead? [48:25]
4. Peter's momentary doubt caused him to sink. What are some distractions or fears that cause you to take your eyes off Jesus? How can you address these distractions to maintain your focus on Him? [56:47]
5. The sermon emphasized that Jesus is always interceding for us, even when He seems distant. How does this assurance impact your approach to prayer and your trust in God's guidance? [36:59]
6. Think about the structure and boundaries in your life. How do they help you thrive, and in what areas might you need to establish more order to prevent chaos? [17:43]
7. Jesus calmed the storm after getting back into the boat with the disciples. How can you invite Jesus into the "boat" of your current life situation to experience His peace and order? [58:34]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of the sermon, "Conquering Chaos," and apply its lessons to their lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and remind participants that growth often comes from stepping out in faith and trusting in Jesus amidst life's storms.
Devotional
Day 1: God's Order in Our Lives
Description: Just as children need structure and boundaries to thrive, we too need God's order in our lives. Without it, chaos reigns. God provides us with guidelines and limits not to restrict us but to help us grow and flourish. When we embrace the structure God offers, we find stability and peace in the midst of life's uncertainties. This divine order is not about control but about nurturing our spiritual growth and well-being. Reflect on how God's boundaries have positively impacted your life and how they continue to guide you. [17:43]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by chaos. How did God's structure and boundaries help you find peace and direction during that period?
Day 2: Stepping into Chaos with Faith
Description: Jesus intentionally sends us into chaotic situations to test and strengthen our faith. Like the disciples on the stormy sea, we are often called to step out of our comfort zones and trust in God's guidance, even when it seems risky. These moments of chaos are opportunities for us to grow in our reliance on God and to witness His power in our lives. Embrace the challenges and uncertainties, knowing that Jesus is with you, guiding you through the storm. [24:38]
Matthew 14:28-29 (ESV): "And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus."
Reflection: Identify a current situation in your life that feels chaotic. How can you step out in faith and trust God's guidance in this situation today?
Day 3: The Limitations of Human Ingenuity
Description: Our own understanding and abilities can only take us so far. In the face of life's storms, our "boats" of human ingenuity are insufficient. True safety and peace come from stepping out in faith and relying on Jesus. When we recognize the limitations of our own efforts and surrender to God's power, we experience His supernatural intervention in our lives. Reflect on areas where you have relied too heavily on your own understanding and consider how you can shift your trust to God. [48:25]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge where you relied on your own abilities. How might the outcome have been different if you had fully trusted in God's power instead?
Day 4: Keeping Focus on Jesus
Description: Peter's experience of walking on water teaches us that faith can enable us to conquer chaos. However, when we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on our problems, we begin to sink. Keeping our focus on Him is crucial. In the midst of life's storms, it is easy to become distracted by fear and doubt. By maintaining our gaze on Jesus, we can navigate through chaos with confidence and peace. Reflect on how you can keep your focus on Jesus, especially during challenging times. [56:47]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What distractions or fears are currently taking your focus away from Jesus? How can you intentionally redirect your attention back to Him today?
Day 5: Jesus as Our Advocate
Description: Even when Jesus seems distant, He is interceding for us. He is our advocate before the Father, praying for our strength and guidance. This assurance should encourage us to step out in faith, knowing that He is always with us. Jesus' intercession is a powerful reminder that we are never alone in our struggles. He is actively involved in our lives, advocating for us and providing the support we need to overcome challenges. Reflect on the comfort and strength that comes from knowing Jesus is your advocate. [36:59]
Romans 8:34 (ESV): "Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us."
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is interceding for you change the way you approach your current challenges? What steps can you take to lean into His advocacy and support today?
Quotes
1. "We want to see people saved. Can you say amen? It was Charles Spurgeon who, he said, if you have no desire to see people saved, then maybe you are not saved yourself. And that is one of the parts of becoming a follower of Jesus. Jesus was about saving people. He was about seeking and saving the lost. And so if we're following him, that must be a priority. We're called to go into all the world and preach this good news." [12:16] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are very, very blessed and privileged to be part of a great fellowship, what God is doing through this fellowship of churches that we have and our leadership church in Chandler. Amen. Our ushers are going to come forward this morning. We want to receive the Lord's tithe and offering. I want to give a very quick report this morning of a good Saturday that we had yesterday. Our church, we put on events on Saturdays as outreach events. We try to reach our community, our city. We do an outreach. We knock on doors." [11:32] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are believing God to help us to use our meager attempts to win the world. And thank you. Through this congregation, through your generosity, we are able to do incredible things by the grace of God. And I want to encourage you, this is something you can give to. This is something you can cheerfully give to. You can be grateful for the opportunity to give to because we are seeing people saved. We are seeing disciples rising up. We are seeing churches planted." [13:50] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When children are not given structure and boundaries, they have chaos. And can I tell you, this is necessary for parenting. Actually, children will appreciate when they know what the limits are. They operate best when they know what time is bedtime, what time is time to get ready for bedtime, what time is time to brush your teeth, what time...when they know when properly set expectations. When they understand expectations and boundaries, it actually helps them." [18:40] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Chaos is the natural state of the world. Sometimes that can be exciting or adventurous. But we realize that we cannot build important things that last while we are in chaos. In other words, you can't build a business if you can't even keep a budget, right? You can't go on to greater things until you establish a foundation of order. And so while chaos, while risk-taking, while those risky behaviors can sometimes feel exhilarating, we can't remain there forever. There has to be a balance of chaos and order. And it is God, who as our heavenly Father, brings order into our chaos." [21:33] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Have you ever felt, have you ever found yourself in a place of chaos? Have you ever felt out of control? Have you ever gotten yourself into a situation that you didn't know how to get out of? That's where the disciples have found themselves, in a place of chaos. And there are many times that the Lord will lead us into these places. He will ask you to take a risk, to do something uncomfortable. To go out, to step foot into a new arena for his kingdom." [30:49] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Somewhere in your life, God is going to call you to an uncontrolled, chaotic, risky place. Maybe it's into a new job. Maybe it's into parenthood. Maybe it's into marriage. God will call you into a ministry that you never expected. God will call you to witness to a friend that you thought would never get saved. There are many areas, there are many seas, many chaotic places, risky places that God will send us into. And many times, when we find ourselves there, we seem to be separated from him." [32:30] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If you are relying on your skill, on your wisdom, on your saving account, on your resources, if you're depending on these things, things that you can understand, things that you have control over to navigate life's challenges, I want to tell you, you're going to reach a limit of how far they can carry you. That boat was able to get them into the problem, but not out of the problem." [51:38] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Walking on the water represents to us stepping into the realm of the impossible through faith. It shows us that when we do step out in faith, trusting in the power of God, you can conquer chaos. You can walk on the thing which you think is about to destroy you. Let me ask you this evening, this morning, what boats have you been struggling to survive in? What water and what wind, what waves have been crashing against your life? Is Jesus calling you to a new level of conquering chaos?" [56:47] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Walking on the waves with Jesus is safer than staying in the boat. Did you hear what I said? Walking on the waves with Jesus is safer than staying in the boat. The end of the story is that Jesus gets back into the boat with them. Immediately, the storm is calm. He exercised. He exercised his power over nature. And the end of the story is they're all, okay, this guy really is the Son of God. And that's the point. At the end of the day, when Jesus helps us to conquer our chaos, the proper response is one of fear, admiration, and worship." [58:34] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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