Faith: The Power to Shift Our Atmosphere
Summary
Faith is the key to shifting the atmosphere around us, whether we call it anointing, presence, or simply the environment. Faith is not just a belief in the unseen, but a spiritual lens that allows us to see the invisible, believe the impossible, and act as proof that God’s reality can break into our circumstances. The story of Peter walking on water with Jesus in Matthew 14 illustrates this beautifully: Peter steps out of the boat not because of bravado, but because he responds to Jesus’ command. His faith is activated by Jesus’ word, and for a moment, he walks above the storm. But when he shifts his focus to the wind and waves, he begins to sink—reminding us that faith responds to Jesus, not to the storm.
We all encounter storms—moments when the atmosphere around us is heavy with fear, anxiety, or hopelessness. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to be atmosphere shifters. We carry the peace and presence of God into every environment: our homes, workplaces, and even the most challenging situations. This is not just for a select few; every believer has the authority to release God’s peace and shift the spiritual climate. Even in the midst of a world marked by control, manipulation, striving, lies, consumerism, and distraction, we are called to focus on what we carry rather than what we lack.
Practical examples abound: praying over your workplace, bringing peace into your family, or simply choosing to worship and create an environment where God’s presence is welcome. The world’s atmosphere is often filled with anxiety and fear, but we are invited to look to Jesus, to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and to cultivate an atmosphere of faith where God’s power is expected and experienced. This is not about positive thinking, but about spiritual positioning—believing for divine intervention, transformation, and breakthrough.
To develop this lifestyle, invest in prayer, worship, godly relationships, and regular fellowship. Surround yourself with people who will encourage and challenge you. Keep giving away what God has given you, and declare who you are in Christ. Remember, resistance is part of the journey, but you are not alone. We are restoration warriors, called to bring light, hope, and freedom wherever we go.
Key Takeaways
- Faith is a spiritual lens that enables us to see beyond the natural and step into the impossible when we respond to Jesus’ voice. Like Peter, our faith is activated not by our own initiative, but by responding to God’s command—even when it defies logic or comfort. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can walk above the storms that threaten to overwhelm us. [01:09:13]
- The atmosphere around us is not fixed; it can be shifted by the presence and peace of God that we carry. Whether in our families, workplaces, or public spaces, we have the authority to release God’s peace and change the environment. This is a practical outworking of our faith, and it often happens through simple acts of prayer, worship, and intentional presence. [01:12:40]
- The world’s atmosphere is marked by control, striving, lies, consumerism, and distraction, but we are called to resist being shaped by these forces. Instead, we focus on what we carry in Christ—peace, hope, and authority. By refusing to be conformed to the world and instead being transformed by God’s presence, we become agents of change in every sphere of life. [01:14:58]
- Empowerment is central to the life of faith: when we encounter God’s presence, we are not just comforted, but equipped to empower others. Our goal is not merely to fix problems, but to help people encounter God’s love and purpose for themselves. When we leave people feeling empowered and seen by God, we participate in their transformation and release them to impact others. [01:24:55]
- Developing a lifestyle of shifting atmospheres requires intentional practices: regular prayer, worship, godly relationships, and ongoing fellowship. It also means learning to declare our identity in Christ and to resist isolation or discouragement. We are not meant to do this alone; asking for help and standing together in faith is essential for breakthrough and sustained transformation. [01:35:21]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:09:13] - Faith That Shifts Atmospheres
[01:10:30] - Peter Walks on Water: Responding to Jesus
[01:11:32] - Faith Rises in Community
[01:12:40] - Shifting the Atmosphere in Everyday Life
[01:14:58] - The World’s Atmosphere: Control, Striving, and Lies
[01:18:31] - Consumerism, Anxiety, and Distraction
[01:21:14] - Testimony: Prayer and Revival in Unexpected Places
[01:24:55] - Empowerment and the Presence of God
[01:27:20] - God’s Reality Breaks In: Gold Dust Testimony
[01:28:18] - Shifting Family and Business Environments
[01:31:11] - Faith in Action: Praying with Family
[01:32:33] - Authority to Shift Environments
[01:35:21] - Building Resistance and Discernment
[01:39:08] - The Importance of Fellowship and Giving Away
[01:40:27] - Declaring Identity and Purpose
[01:43:34] - Responding for Breakthrough and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faith That Shifts Atmospheres
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### Bible Reading
Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV)
> Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 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. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 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. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
> Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Peter 5:9 (ESV)
> Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
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### Observation Questions
1. In the story of Peter walking on water, what was it that caused Peter to step out of the boat, and what made him start to sink? (Matthew 14:28-30; [01:09:13])
2. According to Romans 12:2, what are believers told not to do, and what are they encouraged to do instead?
3. What does 1 Peter 5:9 say about the experience of suffering and faith among believers?
4. The sermon described several characteristics of the “world’s atmosphere.” What are some of these characteristics? ([01:14:58])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter’s faith was activated only when Jesus called him, rather than by his own initiative? What does this say about the source of true faith? ([01:09:13])
2. The sermon says, “Faith responds to Jesus, not to the storm.” What does this mean in practical terms for how we face challenges? ([01:09:13])
3. Romans 12:2 talks about being “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” How does this transformation help us shift the atmosphere around us? ([01:21:14])
4. The sermon calls all believers “restoration warriors” who carry peace, hope, and authority. What does it look like to live out this identity in everyday situations? ([01:32:33])
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent “storm” in your life—maybe at home, work, or in a relationship. Did you focus more on the problem (the wind and waves) or on Jesus? What would it look like to respond differently next time? ([01:09:13])
2. The sermon gave practical examples like praying over your workplace or bringing peace into your family. Is there a specific environment in your life right now that feels heavy or tense? What is one step you could take this week to invite God’s peace into that space? ([01:12:40])
3. The world’s atmosphere is described as full of control, striving, lies, consumerism, and distraction. Which of these do you feel most affected by? How can you resist being shaped by it and instead focus on what you carry in Christ? ([01:14:58])
4. The speaker shared about intentionally creating an atmosphere of faith through prayer, worship, and godly relationships. Which of these practices do you find easiest, and which is most challenging for you? What is one way you could grow in the area that’s hardest? ([01:35:21])
5. The sermon encouraged us to “declare who you are in Christ.” What is one truth about your identity in Christ that you need to remind yourself of this week? How could you declare it out loud or write it down as a reminder? ([01:40:27])
6. The speaker mentioned the importance of not doing this journey alone and asking for help when needed. Is there an area where you need to reach out for support or prayer? Who could you ask to stand with you? ([01:35:21])
7. When was the last time you felt empowered by someone else’s faith or encouragement? How can you be that person for someone else this week? ([01:24:55])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person become an atmosphere shifter, carrying His peace and presence into every situation.
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Responds to Jesus, Not the Storm
Faith is not about ignoring the storms of life, but about choosing to focus on Jesus even when the winds and waves are raging. Like Peter, we may be tempted to look at our circumstances and feel overwhelmed, but when we keep our eyes on Jesus and respond to His call, we can step out in faith and experience the impossible. Even if we falter, Jesus is there to lift us up and remind us that our faith is meant to respond to Him, not to be dictated by fear or the chaos around us. [01:09:13]
Matthew 14:28-31 (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. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel overwhelmed by circumstances? How can you intentionally shift your focus to Jesus and take a step of faith today, even if it feels risky?
Day 2: We Carry God’s Peace to Shift Atmospheres
As believers, we are called to be atmosphere changers, carrying the peace and presence of God into every environment—whether it’s our workplace, our homes, or our communities. When we intentionally invite God’s presence and pray for His peace, we can transform anxious, tense, or even hostile spaces into places of calm and hope. This is not reserved for a select few; every follower of Christ has the authority to release God’s peace and shift the spiritual climate wherever they go. [01:11:32]
John 14:27 (ESV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Reflection: Where do you sense tension or anxiety in your daily environment? What is one practical way you can invite God’s peace into that space today through prayer or action?
Day 3: Be Transformed, Not Conformed
The world constantly tries to shape us through control, manipulation, fear, and distraction, but God calls us to a different way—to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is ongoing, requiring us to immerse ourselves in God’s presence, truth, and community so that His perspective permeates our hearts and lives. As we allow God to renew us, we become more resilient to the pressures of the world and more able to carry His hope and light to others. [01:21:14]
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Reflection: What is one worldly pattern or mindset you notice influencing you? How can you intentionally renew your mind with God’s truth in that area this week?
Day 4: We Are Restoration Warriors—Bringing Light and Hope
God has designed us to be restoration warriors, bringing peace, hope, and freedom into dark and hopeless places. When we step out in faith, speak life, and stand with others in prayer, we become agents of change—shifting atmospheres and helping others encounter God’s love. Even when we feel inadequate or discouraged, God’s Spirit empowers us to bring light into darkness and hope to the hopeless, reminding us that we are never alone in this calling. [01:32:33]
Isaiah 61:1-3 (ESV)
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
Reflection: Who in your life is in need of hope or encouragement right now? How can you intentionally bring God’s light and support to them this week?
Day 5: Resist, Stand Firm, and Journey Together
Resistance is not just about pushing back against darkness, but about standing firm in faith, knowing we are not alone—our brothers and sisters around the world are also persevering. God calls us to develop spiritual resilience through prayer, worship, community, and declarations of who we are in Christ. When we feel stuck or isolated, we are invited to reach out for help, pray with others, and keep giving away what God has given us, trusting that together we can shift atmospheres and see breakthrough. [01:40:27]
1 Peter 5:9 (ESV)
Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
Reflection: When you face spiritual resistance or discouragement, who can you reach out to for prayer and support? What step can you take today to stand firm and not journey alone?
Quotes
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