Finding Consistency in Faith Amid Life's Storms
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of inconsistency in our lives, particularly in our faith. I began by sharing a personal story about my frustrating experience with golf, which served as a metaphor for the inconsistencies we face in various aspects of life—whether it's our finances, weight, or even our spiritual journey. We often find ourselves on a rollercoaster of ups and downs, and this inconsistency can be deeply frustrating.
We then turned to the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14. This story illustrates how even the most devoted followers of Jesus can experience moments of doubt and inconsistency. Peter's initial boldness in stepping out of the boat was quickly overshadowed by fear when he focused on the storm rather than Jesus. This led to his sinking, but Jesus was there to lift him up, showing that our faith will be tested, but Jesus is always there to support us.
We discussed how stepping out in faith often leads to tests and challenges. These tests can come from Satan, life circumstances, or even God, but they serve to strengthen and prove our faith. Just as lifting weights builds physical strength, these spiritual tests build our faith.
I emphasized two key strategies for achieving more consistency in our faith. First, we must focus on the Savior, not the storm. When Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk on water, but when he focused on the storm, he began to sink. Similarly, we should focus on Jesus rather than the challenges we face. Second, we should place our faith in the provider, not the provision. Our faith should be in God Himself, not in the specific outcomes we desire. This helps us maintain a steady faith even when our prayers are not answered in the way we expect.
In conclusion, I encouraged everyone to take bold steps in their faith journey, knowing that tests will come but also knowing that Jesus can handle our doubts and will never give up on us. By focusing on Jesus and placing our faith in Him, we can achieve a more consistent and growing faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Will Be Tested: When you step out in faith, expect your faith to be tested. These tests can come from various sources, including Satan, life circumstances, or even God. The purpose of these tests is to strengthen and prove your faith, much like lifting weights builds physical strength. Embrace these tests as opportunities for growth. [09:44]
2. Focus on the Savior, Not the Storm: Peter was able to walk on water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. The moment he focused on the storm, he began to sink. Similarly, we should focus on Jesus rather than the challenges we face. This shift in focus helps us maintain a steady and growing faith, even in the midst of life's storms. [22:07]
3. Faith in the Provider, Not the Provision: Our faith should be in God Himself, not in the specific outcomes we desire. When our faith is tied to specific provisions, it fluctuates with the ups and downs of life. By placing our faith in the provider, we maintain a consistent and growing faith, regardless of the circumstances. [27:50]
4. Jesus Can Handle Your Doubts: Moments of doubt and inconsistency do not disqualify you from following Jesus. Peter, Thomas, and even John the Baptist experienced doubts, yet Jesus did not give up on them. He reached out to them, helping them to believe and grow stronger in their faith. Jesus will do the same for you. [16:18]
5. Consistent Faith Through Worship and Focus: To achieve a consistent and growing faith, spend more time focusing on Jesus through worship, prayer, and studying His Word. This helps shift your focus from the overwhelming storms of life to the all-powerful, loving, and unchanging nature of Jesus. [26:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:15] - The Frustration of Inconsistency
[03:17] - Inconsistencies in Life
[04:39] - The Rollercoaster of Faith
[06:39] - Peter's Story in Matthew 14
[08:21] - Faith and Doubt
[09:44] - Faith Will Be Tested
[11:40] - God's Purpose in Testing
[13:14] - The Disciples' Growing Faith
[15:36] - Handling Doubts
[18:33] - Thomas' Doubt and Jesus' Response
[22:07] - Focus on the Savior, Not the Storm
[27:50] - Faith in the Provider, Not the Provision
[34:06] - The Promise of God's Presence
[37:23] - Jumping into Faith
[39:51] - Prayer and Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 14:22-33 (Peter Walks on Water)
- James 1:13-14 (God Does Not Tempt)
- Romans 8:28 (God Works All Things for Good)
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Peter's initial reaction when he saw Jesus walking on the water, and what did he ask Jesus to do? ([07:49])
2. How did Peter's focus shift when he began to sink, and what was Jesus' response? ([07:49])
3. According to the sermon, what are some sources of tests and challenges to our faith? ([09:44])
4. How did the disciples' perception of Jesus change throughout the storm in Matthew 14? ([13:14])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon suggest that our faith will be tested when we step out in faith? How does this relate to Peter's experience on the water? ([09:44])
2. What does it mean to focus on the Savior rather than the storm, and how can this principle be applied in daily life? ([22:07])
3. How does placing faith in the provider rather than the provision help maintain a consistent faith, according to the sermon? ([27:50])
4. How does Jesus' response to Peter's doubt illustrate His ability to handle our doubts and inconsistencies? ([16:18])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent "storm" in your life. How did you handle it, and what could you have done differently to focus more on Jesus rather than the problem? ([22:07])
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel your faith is being tested. How can you view this test as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback? ([09:44])
3. Think about a time when you placed your faith in a specific outcome rather than in God Himself. How did that affect your faith when the outcome was not as expected? ([27:50])
4. How can you incorporate more worship, prayer, and Bible study into your daily routine to help shift your focus from life's storms to Jesus? ([26:26])
5. Have you ever experienced a moment of doubt in your faith journey? How did you overcome it, and what role did Jesus play in helping you through that doubt? ([16:18])
6. What practical steps can you take this week to place your faith in the provider rather than the provision? Consider specific actions or changes in mindset. ([27:50])
7. How can you encourage someone else who is struggling with inconsistency in their faith? Share a personal story or scripture that might help them. ([16:18])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Testing of Your Faith
When you step out in faith, expect your faith to be tested. These tests can come from various sources, including Satan, life circumstances, or even God. The purpose of these tests is to strengthen and prove your faith, much like lifting weights builds physical strength. Embrace these tests as opportunities for growth. Tests are not meant to break you but to build you up, making you more resilient and steadfast in your faith journey.
Consider the story of Peter walking on water. His faith was tested the moment he stepped out of the boat. The storm around him was a test of his focus and trust in Jesus. When he began to sink, it was not because the test was too hard, but because his focus shifted from Jesus to the storm. This illustrates that tests are a part of our spiritual growth, and how we respond to them determines our spiritual maturity. [09:44]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge or test you have faced. How did you respond to it? What can you do differently next time to embrace it as an opportunity for spiritual growth?
Day 2: Focus on Jesus, Not the Storm
Peter was able to walk on water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. The moment he focused on the storm, he began to sink. Similarly, we should focus on Jesus rather than the challenges we face. This shift in focus helps us maintain a steady and growing faith, even in the midst of life's storms. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are reminded of His power, love, and faithfulness, which can calm any storm we face.
Life is full of distractions and challenges that can easily take our focus away from Jesus. Whether it's financial struggles, health issues, or relational conflicts, these storms can seem overwhelming. However, by keeping our eyes on Jesus, we can navigate through these challenges with a sense of peace and assurance that He is in control. [22:07]
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: Identify a current storm in your life. How can you shift your focus from the storm to Jesus today? What practical steps can you take to keep your eyes on Him?
Day 3: Trust in the Provider, Not the Provision
Our faith should be in God Himself, not in the specific outcomes we desire. When our faith is tied to specific provisions, it fluctuates with the ups and downs of life. By placing our faith in the provider, we maintain a consistent and growing faith, regardless of the circumstances. This means trusting God's character and His promises, even when we don't see immediate answers to our prayers.
It's easy to become discouraged when our prayers are not answered in the way we expect. However, trusting in the provider means believing that God knows what is best for us and that His timing is perfect. This trust allows us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is always working for our good, even when we don't understand His ways. [27:50]
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: Reflect on a time when you were disappointed by an unmet expectation. How can you shift your trust from the specific outcome to trusting in God's overall plan for your life?
Day 4: Jesus Can Handle Your Doubts
Moments of doubt and inconsistency do not disqualify you from following Jesus. Peter, Thomas, and even John the Baptist experienced doubts, yet Jesus did not give up on them. He reached out to them, helping them to believe and grow stronger in their faith. Jesus will do the same for you. Doubts are a natural part of the faith journey, and Jesus is more than capable of handling them.
When you experience doubt, it's important to bring those doubts to Jesus rather than letting them fester. Jesus invites us to come to Him with our questions and uncertainties. He is patient and compassionate, and He desires to strengthen our faith through these moments of doubt. Remember, doubt is not the opposite of faith; it can be a catalyst for deeper understanding and trust in Jesus. [16:18]
Jude 1:22 (ESV): "And have mercy on those who doubt."
Reflection: What doubts or questions do you currently have about your faith? How can you bring these doubts to Jesus and seek His guidance and reassurance?
Day 5: Cultivate Consistent Faith Through Worship and Focus
To achieve a consistent and growing faith, spend more time focusing on Jesus through worship, prayer, and studying His Word. This helps shift your focus from the overwhelming storms of life to the all-powerful, loving, and unchanging nature of Jesus. Consistent spiritual practices anchor your faith and keep you connected to Jesus, even when life gets tough.
Worship, prayer, and Bible study are essential disciplines that help us grow in our relationship with Jesus. These practices remind us of who God is and what He has done for us. They also provide a space for us to hear from God and align our hearts with His will. By making these practices a regular part of our lives, we can develop a faith that is resilient and steadfast, no matter what challenges we face. [26:26]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to incorporate more worship, prayer, and Bible study into your daily routine? How can these practices help you maintain a consistent focus on Jesus?
Quotes
1. "But I'm going to tell you what's worse than the roller coaster of my golf game. And what's worse than the roller coaster of my finances. Or the roller coaster of my weight. Or the roller coaster of my dental hygiene. Is the roller coaster of my faith. Because I've been a Christian for five decades. And if my faith had gotten stronger 1% a year, I would be John the Baptist right now. Right? But it should be getting better." [04:39] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When you step out in faith, your faith will be tested. Sorry. I think sometimes people think, like, well, I'm going to make this profession. I'm going to get baptized, or I'm going to start going to church, or I'm going to start reading my Bible, I'm going to start praying, I'm going to do this thing, I'm going to step out in faith, and then things are going to smooth right out. Right? Is that what happened for Peter?" [08:21] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you step out in faith, he's not just going to roll over and leave you alone. If anything, he's going to ramp up his efforts. If anything, he's going to test your faith. And Satan wants those tests to, like, seduce you into failure. And God wants to use those tests to prove your faith. So just like when you were in school, when you take tests to prove that you've mastered something so you can go on to the next thing." [10:44] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sometimes your faith will fail a little bit. And you'll have some doubts. And when that happens, this is really important that you know. Jesus can handle your doubts. Jesus can handle it. Aren't you glad that when Peter went out there, like they're walking face to face, right? He's walking towards him. And then Peter goes down, right? Aren't you glad that when he said, save me, Lord. Jesus didn't just say, should have had more faith. No, it's not what he did." [16:18] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus didn't get mad at him. He just wanted to help him believe. So Jesus is saying to him, look, okay, you failed that test, man. You failed that test. Is this what you need? I'm remembering in algebra in high school that they give all the questions at the beginning, and at the back of the book, I mean, this helped my grades when I discovered this. They got the answers back there. Right? And I think this is what Jesus is saying. Look, okay, you failed that. Here's the answer. That's what you need. Here's the answer. Now let's move forward." [20:02] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Focus on the Savior, not the storm. If you really, really, really want this consistency, this growth trajectory in your faith, instead of this crazy rollercoaster, focus on the Savior, not the storm. Because that's what happened. That's what went wrong with Peter, right? Because Peter was doing great when he was focused on Jesus. Is that really you? Is that really you? If it's you, call me. Jesus calls him, and he's like, can't you see him? Like he's stepping over the boat." [22:07] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When our focus is on the Savior, not the storm. When our faith is in the provider, not the provision. Here's the blue line. That's Jesus. Where is it? He doesn't change. He's the same. Yesterday, today, forever. He is always with us. He will never leave us. He will never forsake us. Jesus doesn't change. He's the one constant. And when our faith is in him, when we're focused on him instead of the storm, when we're looking to him the provision, or the provider instead of the provision, this is what happens to our faith." [36:18] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If you want more consistency in your faith, even when things are hard, even when the storms are raging, focus on the Savior, not the storm. Right? Put your faith in the provider, not the provision. Amen?" [38:11] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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