Faith in the Storm: Embracing God's Presence

Devotional

Day 1: God With Us in Every Season

Even in the midst of uncertainty and hardship, God is present with us—Emmanuel, “God with us”—offering comfort, hope, and assurance that we are never alone. In times of celebration and in times of trial, we are invited to worship and adore Him, recognizing that His presence is our greatest gift. As we kneel before Him, we remember that He is the living Lord who walks with us through every circumstance, inviting us to draw near and trust in His unfailing love. [01:25]

Isaiah 7:14 (KJV):
"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

Reflection:
In what area of your life do you most need to remember that God is truly with you right now, and how can you intentionally acknowledge His presence today?

Day 2: Faith to Step Out in the Storm

When the storms of life rage and circumstances are beyond our control, Jesus calls us to step out in faith, trusting Him even when the winds are contrary and the waves are high. Like Peter, we may be invited to do what seems impossible—not because the storm has ceased, but because the Lord is with us in the midst of it. Our faith is not in our own ability, but in the power and presence of Christ, who enables us to walk where we never thought we could. [46:42]

Matthew 14:22-33 (KJV):
"And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God."

Reflection:
What is one “storm” you are facing right now, and what would it look like for you to take a step of faith in the midst of it, trusting Jesus to meet you there?

Day 3: Surrendering Control and Trusting God’s Power

Perfect storms reveal our limitations and remind us that what is out of our control is always under God’s control. When we reach the end of our own strength and resources, we are invited to surrender, to stop striving, and to trust that God will show up at the right time. In the fourth watch of the night, when all human effort is exhausted, Jesus comes to us with deliverance, teaching us to depend on Him rather than ourselves. [55:55]

Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV):
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling."

Reflection:
Where have you been trying to handle things on your own, and how can you surrender that situation to God’s control today?

Day 4: Keeping Focus on the Savior, Not the Storm

It is easy to become distracted by the challenges and obstacles around us, losing sight of what God is doing in our lives. Like Peter, we may begin to sink when we focus more on the storm than on the Savior, but faith calls us to trust in what we cannot see and to lean on God’s promises. Even when we falter, Jesus is ready to reach out, lift us up, and carry us through, reminding us that His power is made perfect in our weakness. [01:09:20]

2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV):
"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

Reflection:
What is one distraction or fear that has been taking your focus off of Jesus, and how can you intentionally shift your attention back to Him today?

Day 5: Worship as a Response to God’s Deliverance

When God brings us through the storm, our response should be worship and gratitude, recognizing that He alone is worthy of praise. Even if we were the only one to step out in faith, the blessing of God’s deliverance extends to those around us, and our testimony can encourage others to trust Him. Let us not wait until every problem is solved to give God glory, but worship Him now for His goodness, faithfulness, and saving power. [01:15:25]

Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV):
"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"

Reflection:
How can you make worship and gratitude your first response today, even before you see the outcome of your current situation?

Sermon Summary

Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us that Emmanuel—God with us—is not just a name, but a living reality. In every season, especially in times of uncertainty and hardship, God’s presence is our anchor. We gather to worship, not out of routine, but because we serve a living Lord who is worthy of adoration. Our worship is a response to the goodness and faithfulness of God, who has brought us through dangers seen and unseen. Even as we face new challenges—whether personal, communal, or global—we are reminded that God’s grace and mercy cover us daily, and the blood of Jesus still has power to save, heal, and deliver.

Turning to Matthew 14, we see the disciples caught in a storm, their boat tossed by waves, their strength and resources exhausted. Jesus, after a time of solitude and prayer, comes to them walking on the water. The disciples are terrified, but Jesus reassures them: “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” Peter, ever bold, steps out in faith at Jesus’ invitation and walks on water. Yet, when he notices the wind and the waves, fear overtakes him and he begins to sink. In that moment, Peter cries out, “Lord, save me!” and Jesus immediately reaches out to rescue him.

This narrative reveals that storms—those perfect storms of life—are not always punishments, but can be opportunities for correction and perfection. Sometimes, God allows storms to move us from complacency, to mature us, and to teach us to trust not in our own abilities, but in His power. The “fourth watch of the night”—that darkest, most desperate hour—often becomes the moment when we stop striving in our own strength and surrender fully to God. It is in these moments that Christ’s presence becomes most real, and His power most evident.

Faith is not the absence of storms, but the willingness to step out of the boat, even when the storm is raging. Jesus does not always calm the storm before calling us; sometimes, He calls us to walk with Him through it. When we focus on the storm, we sink; when we focus on the Savior, we do the impossible. Even when our faith falters, God’s hand is quick to save. And when deliverance comes, it is not just for the one who stepped out in faith, but for all who are in the boat. Our response, then, is worship—praising the One who brings us through every storm.

Key Takeaways

1. Storms Reveal Our Limitations and God’s Sufficiency The perfect storm exposes the limits of our own strength and resources, pushing us to the end of ourselves. It is often in the “fourth watch of the night,” when all human effort is exhausted, that we finally become quiet enough to hear God’s voice and recognize our need for Him. These moments are not meant to destroy us, but to teach us to trust in the power and sufficiency of Christ alone. [55:01]
2. Faith Requires Stepping Out Before the Storm Ceases Jesus did not calm the storm before inviting Peter to come; He called Peter to step out in faith while the winds still raged. True faith is not waiting for perfect conditions, but obeying God’s call in the midst of uncertainty. When we dare to trust God in turbulent times, we discover new dimensions of His power and our own potential in Him. [63:44]
3. Distraction from God’s Work Leads to Doubt and Sinking Peter began to sink not simply because he took his eyes off Jesus, but because he became more aware of the storm than the Savior. Our focus determines our faith; when we fixate on what is against us, we lose sight of what God is doing for us. The challenge is to remain attentive to God’s presence and promises, even when circumstances are overwhelming. [69:20]
4. Crying Out in Desperation Invites Divine Intervention When Peter was sinking, his simple, desperate cry—“Lord, save me!”—was enough to move Jesus to immediate action. God is not waiting for eloquent prayers, but for honest surrender. In our moments of greatest need, a humble plea for help opens the way for God’s rescuing hand and reminds us that His grace is sufficient for every weakness. [71:47]
5. Personal Faith Can Lead to Communal Blessing Although only Peter stepped out of the boat, when Jesus and Peter returned, the storm ceased for everyone. Sometimes, the faith of one can bring deliverance to many. Our willingness to trust God in the storm not only transforms us, but can inspire and bless those around us, leading the whole community to worship and acknowledge God’s power.

** [75:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:25] - Call to Worship: Adoring Emmanuel
[05:58] - Blessing the Name of the Lord
[14:34] - Daily Routines and God’s Protection
[40:11] - The Power of the Blood of Jesus
[45:05] - Gratitude for Worship and God’s Goodness
[46:03] - Reading Matthew 14: Jesus Walks on Water
[47:53] - Introducing “The Perfect Storm”
[49:52] - Storms of Correction and Perfection
[54:15] - The Fourth Watch: Surrendering to God
[58:56] - Deliverance in Distress: Jesus Comes to Us
[62:49] - Faith in the Storm: Stepping Out of the Boat
[66:54] - Distractions and the Danger of Doubt
[71:11] - Crying Out for Help: The Savior’s Response
[75:25] - Communal Deliverance and Worship
[82:11] - Closing Praise and Testimony

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV) —
> 22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
> 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
> 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.
> 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.
> 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.
> 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
> 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
> 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
> 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”
> 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
> 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
> 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

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## Observation Questions

1. According to Matthew 14:22-23, what was Jesus doing while the disciples were in the boat? Why might this detail be important? [46:03]
2. What was the disciples’ initial reaction when they saw Jesus walking on the water, and how did Jesus respond to their fear? [46:42]
3. What happened when Peter stepped out of the boat, and what caused him to begin sinking? [47:15]
4. After Jesus and Peter got back into the boat, what was the response of the other disciples? [47:53]

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## Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says storms can be “opportunities for correction and perfection.” What does it mean for a storm in life to be for “correction” or “perfection,” and how can we tell the difference? [49:52]
2. Why do you think Jesus called Peter to step out onto the water before calming the storm? What does this say about the nature of faith? [01:02:49]
3. The sermon points out that Peter began to sink not just because he took his eyes off Jesus, but because he became more aware of the storm than the Savior. How does our focus affect our faith in difficult times? [01:09:20]
4. When Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out to help. What does this teach us about how God responds to our desperate prayers? [01:11:47]

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## Application Questions

1. The sermon says that storms reveal our limitations and God’s sufficiency. Can you think of a recent “storm” in your life that showed you where your own strength ended and God’s began? How did you respond in that moment? [55:01]
2. Jesus called Peter to step out in faith while the storm was still raging. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is asking you to take a step of faith before things are “calm”? What would it look like to obey in that area this week? [01:03:44]
3. The sermon warns that focusing on the storm instead of the Savior leads to sinking. What is one specific distraction or fear that tends to pull your focus away from Jesus? What practical step can you take to shift your focus back to Him this week? [01:09:20]
4. Peter’s simple, desperate prayer—“Lord, save me!”—was enough for Jesus to act. Are there areas in your life where you need to stop trying to “fix it” yourself and simply cry out to God for help? What would it look like to do that honestly? [01:11:47]
5. The faith of one (Peter) led to blessing for all (the storm ceased for everyone in the boat). Is there a step of faith you could take that might encourage or bless others in your family, workplace, or church? Who might be impacted if you trusted God more boldly? [01:15:25]
6. The sermon says our response to God’s deliverance should be worship. How do you express gratitude and worship when God brings you through a difficult season? Is there a specific way you want to thank or praise Him this week? [47:53]
7. The “fourth watch of the night” is described as the darkest, most desperate hour. When you find yourself in those moments, what helps you surrender to God instead of striving in your own strength? [54:15]

Sermon Clips

There are storms of correction, storms that discipline us... Not only is there storms of correction, but there are storms of perfection. Storms that will mature us and spiritually grow us stronger than we are right now.

Noticed that on the boat was all of the disciples, but only one Peter had enough faith to get out of the boat... Sometimes it takes that one person to step out on faith to show everybody else that they're is power in the name of Jesus.

The perfect storm Promotes possible power... Jesus does not deal with the storm before telling Peter to come... He didn't calm the storm and tell Peter to come, but he told Peter to come while the storm is still raging.

I've learned that sometimes God will allow some storms in my life because I need to move into a different position. [00:48:58]

One thing that I like about storms is that Jesus teaches us how to handle storms while he's in the boat with us. And he'll teach us how to handle storms while he's not in the boat with us. [00:50:26]

Sometimes we live in the hustle and bustle and sometimes God has to put us in a place where we stop talking and start listening. [00:55:02]

The first watch is when you try to do it on your own. The second watch is when you try to solicit your family and friends to help you and join in what you can't do on your own. The third watch is when you try to spiritualize your situation and say, if I can just get to church, if I can just get to Bible study, maybe my situation will get better. But the fourth watch is when you throw up your hands and say, lord, I can't do it on my own. I surrender all. [00:55:15]

Sometimes we have these perfect storms to show us not to trust in our own ability, but to trust in the power of Christ. [00:56:24]

I can shout at my perfect storms because it shows me that when I've done all that I can, that's when Jesus shows up and he'll rescue me. [00:57:13]

In the midst of their distress, the Lord came to them with deliverance. I like that. When I'm in distress, God comes to me with deliverance. [00:58:56]

If we take a close look at this text, we can see that what was out of their control was under his control. What was out of their control was under his control. [00:59:47]

Whatever it is, you can sleep easy knowing that whatever is out of your control is under his control. [01:00:11]

Somebody want to know how can you praise in the middle of a pandemic? Because what's out of our control is under his control. [01:00:18]

With the power of Jesus and a little faith, you can do the impossible if you just get out of the boat. [01:06:22]

He was more focused on what was working against him, that he was not focused on what was working for him. Anybody ever missed an opportunity to praise God for what he was doing because you were so focused on what you think he wasn't? [01:09:05]

How many times have you been doing the impossible with God? Not by seeing what he's doing in your life, but trusting and having faith in what he was doing. [01:10:28]

When you're lacking possession of your faith and you begin to sink in your problems, the best thing for you to do is to cry out, lord, save me. [01:11:28]

The good news is that even when we are sinking, God will reach down and lift us up. [01:12:45]

Why did you let what you're going through cause you to doubt yourself? And the word doubt in the Greek suggests that the idea of trying to go in the two different directions at the same time or serving two different masters simultaneously. [01:13:12]

There'll be those that hate on you for getting out of the boat, but you have to encourage them and say, if you hold on a little while longer, God is going to get us through this thing. [01:15:30]

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