Faith in Trials: Finding Jesus in Darkness

 

Summary

In John 6, we encounter a profound exploration of faith, particularly when God seems distant. This experience, often referred to as spiritual desertion, is not uncommon in the Christian journey. Even the righteous, like Job and David, have felt this distance, questioning why God seems far when they need Him most. This feeling is a significant test of faith, as seen in the disciples' experience in John 6. After witnessing Jesus' miraculous feeding of the 5,000, they find themselves in a storm, rowing against the wind in darkness, without Jesus in the boat. This narrative illustrates that obedience to Christ can lead us into challenging situations where His presence feels absent.

The disciples' struggle is a metaphor for Christian life, where faith is tested not by an unbroken series of miracles but by enduring through trials. The story teaches us that the Christian journey involves learning to walk by faith, not by sight, trusting in Jesus even when He is not visibly present. The disciples' experience of straining at the oars against the wind all night reflects the reality of enduring long-term suffering and unanswered prayers. Yet, in these moments, we are reminded that Jesus sees us, intercedes for us, and can reach us, no matter how dark or difficult the circumstances.

This passage also offers comfort in the face of death, as illustrated by the story of Mark Lovett. When life seems to slip away, Jesus comes to us, saying, "It is I; do not be afraid," offering assurance that He will take us home. This narrative beautifully depicts the Christian's confidence in facing death, knowing that Jesus will meet us and bring us to eternal safety.

Finally, the story points to the cross, where Jesus experienced ultimate darkness and abandonment. His suffering assures us that He understands our trials and is the Savior who has been there. In our darkest moments, we find comfort in knowing that Jesus endured the cross so that we might have eternal light and never be truly forsaken.

Key Takeaways:

- Spiritual Desertion: Feeling distant from God is a common test of faith. Even the righteous, like Job and David, experienced this. It challenges us to trust in God's promises despite His apparent absence. [04:26]

- Faith in Darkness: The disciples' stormy night teaches us that faith involves enduring trials without immediate relief. We learn to walk by faith, not by sight, trusting in Jesus even when He seems far. [12:05]

- Endurance in Trials: The Christian life is not a series of unbroken miracles. We are called to endure long-term suffering, knowing that Jesus sees us, intercedes for us, and can reach us in any storm. [19:04]

- Confidence in Death: Facing death, we find comfort in Jesus' promise, "It is I; do not be afraid." He meets us in our final moments, assuring us of His presence and bringing us safely home. [27:46]

- Comfort in Christ's Suffering: Jesus' experience of darkness and abandonment on the cross assures us that He understands our trials. His suffering provides comfort, knowing He has been there and is the Savior for us. [34:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Feeling Distant from God
- [01:09] - Job's Struggle with God's Absence
- [02:44] - Spiritual Desertion in the Psalms
- [04:26] - Tests of Faith in John 6
- [05:42] - Disciples' Obedience and Darkness
- [07:08] - Jesus' Urgency and Disciples' Departure
- [09:05] - Darkness and the Storm
- [12:05] - Christian Experience and Endurance
- [14:57] - Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
- [19:04] - Jesus Sees, Intercedes, and Reaches Us
- [24:53] - Christian Confidence in Facing Death
- [27:46] - Jesus' Assurance in Death
- [29:29] - Christian Comfort in Christ's Suffering
- [34:19] - Jesus' Suffering and Our Trials

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 6:16-21
2. Job 23:8-9
3. Psalm 22:1

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#### Observation Questions
1. In John 6:16-21, what circumstances did the disciples find themselves in, and how did they respond to the storm? [09:19]
2. How does Job describe his experience of feeling distant from God in Job 23:8-9? [01:42]
3. What is the significance of Jesus walking on water in John 6:19-20, and how did the disciples react when they saw Him? [25:11]
4. How does Psalm 22:1 reflect the feeling of abandonment, and how is this echoed in the sermon? [34:00]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the sermon suggest about the purpose of enduring trials and feeling distant from God, as seen in the disciples' experience in John 6? [12:05]
2. How might Job's struggle with God's perceived absence (Job 23:8-9) relate to the concept of spiritual desertion discussed in the sermon? [01:25]
3. In what ways does the story of Jesus walking on water provide comfort and assurance to believers facing their own "storms"? [22:36]
4. How does the sermon connect Jesus' experience on the cross with the trials believers face, and what comfort does this offer? [34:19]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to trust in His presence? [00:26]
2. The sermon discusses enduring long-term suffering and unanswered prayers. How can you find strength and hope in these situations, knowing that Jesus sees and intercedes for you? [19:04]
3. When facing a "storm" in your life, how can you remind yourself of Jesus' words, "It is I; do not be afraid," and what practical steps can you take to trust Him more? [27:46]
4. How can the story of Mark Lovett inspire you to face life's challenges with confidence in Jesus' promise to be with you, even in death? [27:46]
5. Consider the times when you feel like you're "straining at the oars" in your spiritual journey. What specific actions can you take to persevere and maintain your faith? [11:32]
6. How does knowing that Jesus experienced ultimate darkness and abandonment on the cross change your perspective on your own trials? [34:19]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the "wind is against you." How can you apply the lessons from this sermon to stand firm in your faith? [18:47]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God in Spiritual Desertion
In moments when God feels distant, it can be a profound test of faith. This experience, known as spiritual desertion, is not uncommon in the Christian journey. Even the righteous, like Job and David, have felt this distance, questioning why God seems far when they need Him most. This feeling challenges believers to trust in God's promises despite His apparent absence. It is a call to deepen one's faith, relying on the assurance that God is always present, even when He seems silent. [04:26]

"For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear and go away; I will carry off, and no one shall rescue." (Hosea 5:14, ESV)

Reflection: When have you felt distant from God, and how can you remind yourself of His promises during those times?


Day 2: Faith in the Midst of Darkness
The disciples' stormy night on the sea teaches us that faith involves enduring trials without immediate relief. After witnessing Jesus' miraculous feeding of the 5,000, they find themselves in a storm, rowing against the wind in darkness, without Jesus in the boat. This narrative illustrates that obedience to Christ can lead us into challenging situations where His presence feels absent. It is in these moments that we learn to walk by faith, not by sight, trusting in Jesus even when He seems far. [12:05]

"Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him." (Job 23:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel you are rowing against the wind? How can you practice trusting Jesus in that situation today?


Day 3: Endurance Through Trials
The Christian life is not a series of unbroken miracles. The disciples' experience of straining at the oars against the wind all night reflects the reality of enduring long-term suffering and unanswered prayers. Yet, in these moments, we are reminded that Jesus sees us, intercedes for us, and can reach us, no matter how dark or difficult the circumstances. This endurance is a testament to the strength of faith, knowing that Jesus is always with us, even in the storms. [19:04]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a trial you are currently facing. How can you find joy and strength in knowing that Jesus sees and intercedes for you?


Day 4: Confidence in Facing Death
Facing death, we find comfort in Jesus' promise, "It is I; do not be afraid." The story of Mark Lovett illustrates that when life seems to slip away, Jesus comes to us, offering assurance that He will take us home. This narrative beautifully depicts the Christian's confidence in facing death, knowing that Jesus will meet us and bring us to eternal safety. It is a reminder of the hope and peace that comes from trusting in Jesus' presence in our final moments. [27:46]

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21, ESV)

Reflection: How does the assurance of Jesus' presence in death change your perspective on life and the way you live today?


Day 5: Comfort in Christ's Suffering
Jesus' experience of darkness and abandonment on the cross assures us that He understands our trials. His suffering provides comfort, knowing He has been there and is the Savior for us. In our darkest moments, we find solace in knowing that Jesus endured the cross so that we might have eternal light and never be truly forsaken. This understanding deepens our relationship with Him, as we realize the extent of His love and sacrifice for us. [34:19]

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt abandoned or alone. How does knowing that Jesus has experienced similar suffering bring you comfort and strength today?

Quotes

"Now Job, a righteous man for sure, knew the wonderful truth that God is always present with His people, the truth of Psalm 139: 'If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I go down to the depths, you are there; if I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand will lead me, your right hand will hold me fast.' Job knows that wonderful truth." [00:01:49]

"Now, let me suggest to you from this very simply that we are learning here that the life of a disciple will not be an unbroken series of miracles. There will, of course, be times when you will see Jesus Christ at work in your life in remarkable ways. There will be times when you experience direct, marvelous answers to prayer, deliverance as the disciples did when Jesus calmed the storm." [00:12:40]

"Second, the disciples are learning here that they need to learn to walk by faith and not by sight. Remember, the disciples had enjoyed the unique blessing of having the visible presence of Jesus. They had enjoyed Jesus being with them in the boat, but here the disciples are learning what we must all learn, that we cannot depend on the visible presence of the Lord Jesus." [00:14:55]

"Here's something to remember when you are straining on the oars: three things actually. First, Jesus Christ sees you, and He saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. He saw them. I love this: Jesus may be beyond the range of your sight, but you are never beyond the range of His sight." [00:19:04]

"Second, remember this when you're straining at the oars, that Jesus intercedes for you. What was Jesus doing when He withdrew and the disciples were out there in the storm? Mark tells us that He had taken leave of them because He went up the mountain to pray. Now, what you have here is the most beautiful picture of the Christian life." [00:19:46]

"Remember that Christ sees you, remember that Christ intercedes for you, and remember thirdly that Jesus Christ can reach you. I think that is surely the significance of Jesus walking on the water. If you look at verse 22, you will see that John tells us the following morning the crowds came looking for Jesus." [00:22:48]

"No storm can ever cut you off from the Savior who loves you and the Savior who intercedes for you. You may indeed come to some dark and scary places in your life, but no darkness will ever place you beyond the reach of the love of Jesus Christ and the power of Jesus Christ who died to save you and who lives to keep you." [00:23:44]

"Death for the Christian is Jesus coming to take you home. This beautifully, beautifully, uniquely pictured right here in this story, and I think that that is the significance of verse 21. Then they were glad and took Him into the boat, and immediately, notice that word immediately, the boat was at the land to which they were going." [00:27:46]

"When you feel that your life is slipping away from you, what will happen? Jesus Christ will come to you, and immediately He will take you home. When you see the Savior you love in that moment, you will enjoy the most immediate and the most marvelous arrival that will astonish you beyond words." [00:28:45]

"Spurgeon noted that Christians who suffer, especially long term, are often helped not primarily by the anticipation of Christ's second coming, but by the comfort of knowing that He suffered in His first. And he says this: 'The afflicted do not so much look for comfort to Christ as He will come a second time as they do to Christ as He came the first time.'" [00:29:29]

"There is a very powerful comfort that comes to a believer in darkness from knowing that Jesus Christ the Savior has already been there. And I want you to think about that in relation to this story. The disciples were in great darkness at night, but when Jesus hung on the cross, darkness came over the whole land at noon." [00:31:52]

"There may be times in the Christian life when you feel the darkness that surrounds you will never end, but I tell you, Jesus went into that darkness so that you will have an eternal future in His marvelous light. There may be times when you experience the strain of the wind being against you, you feel exhausted and you feel that you are making no progress." [00:34:19]

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Transcript
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