Faith in the Storm: Trusting God's Miracles
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound power of the word "if" and how it can transform our faith and perspective. We reflected on the miracles God has performed in the past and how He is capable of doing them again in our lives. The story of Peter walking on water served as a central illustration, highlighting the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus, especially when we are exhausted and facing life's storms. We acknowledged that life can be both exciting and exhausting, but it is crucial to remember that God is always with us, even when we feel winded and overwhelmed. The disciples' experience of rowing against the wind after feeding thousands and losing John the Baptist exemplifies the physical and emotional toll of ministry and life. Yet, Jesus' immediate response to Peter's cry for help reassures us that He is always ready to catch us when we falter.
We also celebrated the community and the efforts of our volunteers, recognizing that serving God and others can be both fulfilling and tiring. The message encouraged us to worship God not only when the storm has passed but also while we are still in it, trusting that He has a purpose for our struggles. The ultimate takeaway is that we are closer to our breakthrough than we think, and we must keep pressing forward, knowing that God has miracles in store for us on the other side of our storms.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of "If": The word "if" holds immense power in our faith journey. If God has performed miracles before, He can do it again in our lives. This belief fuels our hope and strengthens our faith, reminding us that God's power is not limited by time or circumstance. [27:34]
2. Exhaustion in Service: Serving God and others can be both exciting and exhausting. The disciples experienced this firsthand after feeding thousands and rowing against the wind. It's essential to recognize that feeling winded doesn't mean we are failing; it means we are human. [41:04]
3. Focus on Jesus: Peter's experience of walking on water teaches us the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus. When we focus on Him, we can overcome the storms in our lives. However, when we shift our focus to the wind and waves, we begin to sink. [57:12]
4. Immediate Help: Jesus' immediate response to Peter's cry for help reassures us that He is always ready to catch us when we falter. Even when we feel like giving up, we must remember that we are closer to our breakthrough than we think. [03:45]
5. Worship in the Storm: Worshiping God while we are still in the storm is a powerful act of faith. It shows our trust in His plan and His ability to bring us through to the other side. The disciples only understood the purpose of their storm when they reached the other side and saw the miracles that awaited them. [06:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:34] - The Power of "If"
[29:46] - Faith and Miracles
[30:55] - Prayer and Anticipation
[31:31] - Welcoming Will Cunningham
[32:07] - Honoring the Team
[32:37] - Christmas in July
[33:10] - New Children's Book
[33:40] - Reading Matthew 14
[34:13] - Facing the Wind
[35:20] - Peter Walks on Water
[36:21] - The Exhaustion of Life
[37:21] - Personal Reflections
[38:27] - Running Out of Breath
[40:00] - Spiritual Exercise
[41:04] - The Disciples' Exhaustion
[42:08] - The Miracle of Feeding Thousands
[43:14] - Excitement and Exhaustion
[44:21] - The Demands of Ministry
[45:24] - Feeling Winded
[46:28] - The Wind Against Us
[47:01] - Giving Our All
[48:03] - Understanding Congregation's Struggles
[49:10] - Vulnerability in Exhaustion
[49:42] - Jesus' Command to the Disciples
[50:11] - Gratitude for Volunteers
[51:14] - Passionate Teaching
[52:17] - Leading the Next Generation
[52:49] - The Joy of Greeting
[53:31] - The Exhaustion of Service
[54:02] - The Challenge of Life's Demands
[55:06] - Jesus' Timing
[55:37] - Trusting Jesus in the Storm
[56:10] - Peter's Faith and Doubt
[57:12] - The Complexity of Doubt
[58:20] - Trusting God's Call
[59:25] - The Impact of Wind
[01:00:29] - The Shift in Focus
[01:01:34] - Questions of Faith
[01:02:33] - Losing Focus
[01:03:07] - The Struggle of Life
[01:03:45] - Jesus' Immediate Help
[01:04:49] - The Calm After the Storm
[01:05:27] - Worship in the Storm
[01:06:01] - The Other Side of the Storm
[01:06:33] - Pressing Through Doubt
[01:07:08] - Catching Your Breath
[01:07:53] - The Worth of the Journey
[01:08:23] - Praising the Lord
[01:10:46] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV)
> Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn 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."
### Observation Questions
1. What was Peter's initial reaction when he saw Jesus walking on the water? ([34:44])
2. How did Jesus respond to Peter's cry for help when he began to sink? ([35:53])
3. What were the disciples' physical and emotional states before Jesus walked on the water? ([41:04])
4. What did the disciples do after Jesus and Peter climbed back into the boat? ([01:05:27])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter began to sink when he saw the wind? What does this tell us about the importance of focus in our faith journey? ([57:12])
2. How does Jesus' immediate response to Peter's cry for help illustrate His readiness to assist us in our moments of doubt and fear? ([35:53])
3. The sermon mentioned that serving God can be both exciting and exhausting. How can we reconcile these two experiences in our spiritual walk? ([41:37])
4. What does the disciples' worship after the storm teach us about the appropriate response to God's deliverance? ([01:05:27])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's storms. How did you manage to keep your focus on Jesus, or what distracted you? ([01:00:59])
2. The sermon emphasized the power of "if" in our faith. How can you apply this concept to a current challenge you are facing, believing that if God did it before, He can do it again? ([27:34])
3. Serving in ministry can be exhausting. What are some practical ways you can find rest and rejuvenation while continuing to serve others? ([41:37])
4. Worshiping in the storm is a powerful act of faith. How can you incorporate worship into your life even when you are facing difficulties? ([01:05:27])
5. Think about a recent situation where you felt like giving up. How can the story of Peter walking on water and Jesus' immediate help encourage you to keep pressing forward? ([03:45])
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of community and volunteers. How can you support and encourage those who are serving in your church or community? ([50:11])
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to shift your focus back to Jesus. What steps can you take this week to make that shift? ([01:00:59])
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of "If"
Description: The word "if" holds immense power in our faith journey. It serves as a bridge between our current reality and the possibilities that God can bring into our lives. Reflecting on the miracles God has performed in the past, we are reminded that His power is not limited by time or circumstance. This belief fuels our hope and strengthens our faith, encouraging us to trust that God can and will act in our lives today just as He has done before. The story of Peter walking on water exemplifies this, as Peter's faith in Jesus allowed him to do the impossible, even if only for a moment. [27:34]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need a miracle. How can you shift your perspective to believe that God can do it again, just as He has done in the past?
Day 2: The Reality of Exhaustion in Service
Description: Serving God and others can be both exciting and exhausting. The disciples experienced this firsthand after feeding thousands and rowing against the wind. It's essential to recognize that feeling winded doesn't mean we are failing; it means we are human. The physical and emotional toll of ministry and life can be overwhelming, but it is in these moments that we must remember God's presence and strength. The disciples' exhaustion after their ministry efforts serves as a reminder that even in our weariness, God is with us, ready to provide the rest and rejuvenation we need. [41:04]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel exhausted from serving. How can you seek God's strength and rest in this season of weariness?
Day 3: Keeping Our Focus on Jesus
Description: Peter's experience of walking on water teaches us the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus. When we focus on Him, we can overcome the storms in our lives. However, when we shift our focus to the wind and waves, we begin to sink. This story illustrates the necessity of maintaining our gaze on Jesus, especially when life's challenges threaten to overwhelm us. By keeping our focus on Him, we can navigate through difficulties with faith and confidence, knowing that He is our anchor and guide. [57:12]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "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 "waves" are causing you to lose focus on Jesus? How can you intentionally redirect your attention back to Him today?
Day 4: Trusting in Jesus' Immediate Help
Description: Jesus' immediate response to Peter's cry for help reassures us that He is always ready to catch us when we falter. Even when we feel like giving up, we must remember that we are closer to our breakthrough than we think. This assurance encourages us to call out to Jesus in our moments of doubt and fear, trusting that He will respond without delay. His readiness to help us is a testament to His love and faithfulness, providing us with the confidence to persevere through our struggles. [03:45]
Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt overwhelmed. How can you practice calling out to Jesus for immediate help in similar situations?
Day 5: Worshiping God in the Midst of the Storm
Description: Worshiping God while we are still in the storm is a powerful act of faith. It shows our trust in His plan and His ability to bring us through to the other side. The disciples only understood the purpose of their storm when they reached the other side and saw the miracles that awaited them. This act of worship during trials demonstrates our belief that God is in control and has a purpose for our struggles. By praising Him in the midst of our difficulties, we align our hearts with His will and open ourselves to the breakthroughs He has in store for us. [06:01]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: In what ways can you worship God today, even if you are in the midst of a personal storm? How can this act of worship shift your perspective on your current situation?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "If God before you, who or what can be against you? If God told the storm to be calm before, he can do it today. If God multiplied the resources of the fishes and the loaves, then God can multiply your resources. Do you believe that there is another miracle on the way today? That God has more in store for you today? That if he did it before, he can do it again. And again. And again." [27:34] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God has something special in store for you today It might have been a stormy season Maybe you've been like Job when you've lost almost everything you had But it said that Job escaped by the skin of his skin By the skin of his teeth And because he held on to his faith He held on to his hope In the end, he was blessed ten times over How many of you need a ten times over blessing today?" [29:46] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The times when you're tempted to quit Are the times that you're the closest to where God has taken you You gotta keep walking You're closer to the other side than you think you are You gotta keep rolling You're closer to a breakthrough than you've ever been before So I don't know who this is for But you are close to your miracle You are close to your freedom You are close to your kids turning around and coming back home You are close to God doing something amazing In your life." [01:04:16] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So yeah It might be exciting But it's also exhausting But I promise you this friends It's worth it There are miracles on the other side Of your storm That will only make sense When you get there So I don't know what you're struggling through today But I believe that God is closer to you Than you think he is And he's closer to taking you to the other side Than you ever dreamed possible." [01:07:53] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord Let all people Even if it's a sacrifice of praise All he's got to do is breathe in my direction And I'll make it safely to the other side Come on church He's got a miracle And again and again and again In store for you It's got your name on it So don't give up just yet Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord." [01:08:23] (114 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Of all the times I've preached on Peter walking on water I've never stopped to think about How tired the disciples must have been In this moment First of all the Bible tells us That they had just lost John the Baptist How many of you know Grief will wear you out mean grief will zap your energy And suck your strength Tossing and turning all night long When you're not sleeping well and you can't eat Somebody you love Grief will flat wear you out." [41:04] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When did you start focusing on all the things Going wrong in your life That you forgot about how good God was And how safely he has brought you thus far When did you become one of those Hand in your pocket Christians You used to be a wild worshipper Who came into the house of God praising him For his goodness You used to sing about his grace You used to love when they passed the plate giving Because God had given you so much You used to love coming to church You used to love volunteering." [01:01:34] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When did you let the devil steal your song Because you walked through a storm When did you get hard hearted You used to care about people You used to pray about other people And when you prayed You knew God was going to do something When did you start shrinking God down To the size of your storm When did you get so cynical That you started questioning everything When did you stop telling the storms How big your God is Instead you started saying yeah my problems are big And my life is bad And my bills are high And my cholesterol is crazy." [01:02:33] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The challenge of this If we were honest Is that many times as we are moving And maneuvering through the demands of life It's very difficult for us Between breaths To see the big picture Of everything that God is doing No sooner do they get in the boat Than they feel the wind Against them And for many people they assume That they are in the will of God By the absence of a contrary wind And if you think that everything God asks you to do And the proof that he asks you to do it Is that it will be easy You're going to end up confused And frustrated all of your life." [54:02] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Storms teach us things Storms strengthen us Storms change us They force us to focus on what's important I know how you feel today I don't know if I can keep doing this pastor I'm running out of breath I believe God Brought you here today So we could win And whisper this to you you know what it is Catch your breath Everybody breathe in Breathe out Let's do it again Catch your breath Because the moment that he fell Jesus was right there to catch you And friends He still is." [01:07:08] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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